Harry Kane scored his first goal of the tournament as England cruised past Senegal 3-0 to set up a World Cup quarter-final against France.

The Tottenham striker doubled England’s lead in first-half injury-time after Jordan Henderson opened the scoring 10 minutes earlier.

Bukayo Saka completed the scoring in a surprisingly routine win after 57 minutes with his third goal of the finals.

England’s next assignment is unlikely to be as straightforward, with Les Bleus and Kylian Mbappe lying in wait on Saturday.

A turgid opening half hour was notable only for the number of times England squandered possession in dangerous areas, with Senegal unable to make the most of their opportunities.

Boulaye Día saw a close-range shot hit John Stones – VAR ruling there was no case for a penalty – before Jordan Pickford was called upon to produce a brilliant stop to deny the Salernitana striker from 10 yards.

England finally woke from their slumber and, from their first move of genuine quality, took the lead seven minutes before the break. Kane set Jude Bellingham free in the left channel and his low cross was turned in Henderson.

It could have been 2-0 three minutes later with a near-identical move, but this time from the right, Saka sliding it over for Kane who shot wastefully over the bar.

Gareth Southgate’s men did double their advantage in first-half stoppage time, though. The impressive Bellingham won the ball on the edge of his own area and burst through midfield before picking out Foden on the left. Foden slid it over for Kane, who took one touch before slamming past Edouard Mendy.

England put the game beyond doubt 12 minutes into the second half. Kane’s pass was blocked, with Foden picking up the loose ball and playing a centre for Saka to cleverly lift the ball over Mendy.

The life had long since drained out of Senegal, with Southgate able to make several changes with France in mind.

What does it mean?

England have scored 12 goals in four matches at this year’s World Cup, the Three Lions’ joint-most at a single major tournament (World Cup and Euros), level with their 12 goals at the 2018 World Cup.

That said, England will have to improve on their opening half-hour showing from this game when they come up against the defending champions next. Senegal were surprisingly impotent in attack; France won’t be.

Brilliant Bellingham sets the standard

The Borussia Dortmund man excelled again in a more advanced role, with Henderson slotting in behind, alongside Declan Rice.

In creating the first goal, the 19-year-old Bellingham became the first teenager to assist in a World Cup knockout stage game, since as far back as such records are available (from 1966 onwards). He then played a key role in the second goal with a typical driving run.

Henderson’s match savvy on display again

He may not be every England fan’s cup of tea, but Henderson simply makes teams better. The winner of seven major trophies at Liverpool, England have looked a more cohesive unit since Henderson was included for the final group game against Wales.

What’s next?

England march on to meet France on Saturday. It’s the end of the road for Senegal who will be disappointed by their performance on the night.