CHRIS SUTTON’S PLAYER RATINGS: Jude Bellingham shows he’s not just the future but the now

England advanced to the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a comfortable 3-0 win over Senegal at the Al Bayt Stadium.

Despite some early scares in the first half, Jordan Henderson opened the scoring for the Three Lions after 38 minutes, before Harry Kane doubled England’s lead with his first of the tournament just before half time.

Bakayo Saka added a third early in the second half and that all but closed out the game for Gareth Southgate’s men, who now take on France in a big clash on Saturday.

With their quarterfinal berth reserved, sports mail Chris Sutton rated each player’s performance in the impressive victory over the reigning African champions.

ENGLAND (4-3-3)

Goalie

Jordan Pickford – 6

He stayed big for Ismaila Sarr’s early chance and then made a decent save to deny Boulaye Dia. He gave the fans a couple of thrilling moments with the ball at their feet as Senegal pressed aggressively, but the keeper then went long to good effect. Just intervened after the break.

defenders

kyle walker 6

He had a good battle with Sarr, who was the most dangerous player in Senegal. The right-back was not entirely calm and he struggled to make much of an impact going forward. But it is good that Walker builds his minutes before facing Kylian Mbappe in what will be a fundamental one-on-one against France.

john stones 6

Like his partner in the center of defense, Stones was guilty of giving the ball away cheaply as England struggled to build from behind in the first half. He missed a headed chance at the other end, but his night got easier as England built their lead on either side of half-time.

harry maguire 6

Another clean sheet, but he wasn’t as convincing here as he was earlier in the tournament. He endowed Senegal with possession with some risky passes in the first half. A ball set up Sarr’s chance and Maguire repeated the mistake shortly after. He too was almost caught by Dia’s gusts from behind.

luke shaw 7

A consistent performance and more of an attacking threat than Walker on the other flank. He almost created a goal with a brilliant interception and a driving run to the baseline. He kept Diatta calm on Senegal’s right. As England’s only left-back left-back, it’s vital that he stays fit.

midfielders

Jordan Henderson 7.5

A lot of people didn’t want him on the team, but Henderson was great. He brings extra protection and balance to midfield, where England can still be better and quicker with their passes. He got the goal out of him well after another relentless run from midfield. He appeared all over the field.

Declan Rice 7

They could have had more contact with the ball in the first half, but their positioning and pressing helped eliminate opportunities for Senegal. His discipline allows Bellingham and Henderson to push on, but the West Ham man also made his mark on the advance with a couple of impressive runs.

Jude Bellingham 8.5

The player I was most looking forward to seeing before this tournament. And he is not disappointing. His awareness of when to pass at the right time, when to drive, his ability not to make unnecessary touches is beyond his age. Brilliant for England’s first two goals. An incredible player.

Forward

Bukayo Saka 6.5

He had a quieter night and it wasn’t as effective as it can be. His mistake also led to Dia’s opportunity. But then he took the goal from him brilliantly. I was surprised that he was given the nod on England’s right wing over Marcus Rashford, but Gareth Southgate is hitting all those selections.

Harry Kane 8

By all accounts, the England number 9 has scaled back his training to peak in the knockout stages. With this evidence, that is proving the correct decision. He received his goal well with an emphatic spike and is such a brilliant link – his passing and stealing game makes him an excellent teammate. A tremendous player.

Phil Foden 8

Another player who knows when to choose his passes at the right time. He had a hand in all three of England’s goals: his charming touch freed Kane for Henderson’s opening goal before Foden laid the ball out for Kane and Saka as England clinched this game.

Manager

gareth south gate 9

We all keep telling him that he has to play with certain players. He continues to hit all the important calls.

Here, he went with Saka, over Rashford, who rewarded his coach with a goal.

Well done Gareth, a true tournament manager. Now England advance to a highly successful quarter-final against France.

substitutes

eric dier (Stones 77) 6

calvin phillips (Henderson 82) 5

mason assembly (76 Bellingham) 6

Mark Rashford (Saka 65) 6

Jack Grealish (Foden 65) 6

SENEGAL (4-2-3-1)

E Mendy 4; Sabaly 5, Koulibaly 5, Diallo 6, Jakobs 5 (Ballo-Toure 84, 5); Ciss 5 (Gueye 45, 6), N Mendy 6; Diatta 5 (Sarr 45, 5), Ndiaye 6 (Dieng 45, 5), Sarr 6.5; Day 6 (Diediou 72, 5)

Manager: Aliou Cisse 5

Referee: Iván Barton 6