Bukayo Saka was back on the scoresheet as England swept Senegal 3-0 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.
Our attacker provided a fine finish from Phil Foden’s cross in the 57th minute to seal the victory for the Three Lions, after first-half goals from Jordan Henderson and Harry Kane had established a comfortable half-time lead.
Speaking to ITV after the match, he said: “It’s an amazing night, I smile a lot, I’m very happy. We got to the next round and we played very well, so it’s a great night. The way we played as a team, we played amazing football.If we can continue that, it looks good for us.
“It means everything, I am very happy to be able to help my team. I know how much we train and how much it means for us to go far in this competition. I am very happy to score my first knockout goal and I hope I can score a few more.”
Bukayo was then replaced by Marcus Rashford on 65 minutes, with a place in the last eight already secured, and Gareth Southgate admitted after the match that he’s been genuinely impressed with his contributions so far.
“The [Saka] he was excellent in our first two games,” said the England manager. “We think Marcus was very good too and it’s great to have him to be able to come into the game as it opens up.
“Of course we have an embarrassment of riches in that area of the pitch. But we liked Bukayo’s performances and we think Phil [Foden] and he deserve their chance.”
That was his third goal of the tournament so far, meaning only Kylian Mbappe has scored more in the competition with five to his credit, and the PSG man will now face Bukayo on Thursday 10 December after the French they achieved a victory. 3-1 victory against Poland.
William Saliba was an unused substitute in that game, but he will meet fellow Gunners Aaron Ramsdale and Saka at Al Bayt Stadium, with the latter already looking forward to the challenge.
“We know the good [Mbappe] but we have an amazing coaching team,” Bukayo added. “You can see the way we played tonight, we have to believe that they will pick the right team and the right game plan for us to go there and win, because that will be our mindset.” .
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