Harry Kane applauds supporters after England's win over Senegal. Photo: Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP
Harry Kane hailed England’s serene progress to the World Cup quarter-finals after scoring his first goal of the tournament in a 3-0 win over Senegal in the last 16.
The Three Lions have now won a knockout game in three consecutive major tournaments for the first time to set up a mouthwatering clash against reigning champions France in the last eight on Saturday.
“Knockout games are never easy. We showed great maturity through the tournament,” Kane told ITV after moving to within one goal of Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 for England.
“The mentality was top from the beginning and we took our chances when they came.”
At 29, Kane is one of the senior players in Gareth Southgate’s squad on a night when youngsters Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka again showed their promise.
Saka scored his third goal of the tournament, while Foden provided two assists and Bellingham was heavily involved in the opening two goals.
“All three of them having big parts in the goals. We’ve got a great mixture of youth and experience now and another knockout win,” added Kane.
“Over the years it’s not been easy for England, so to win 3-0 it’s a really great night.”
France will pose a much tougher test of England’s hopes of winning a first major tournament since 1966.
Kylian Mbappe was in stunning form for Les Bleus as he scored twice in a 3-1 win over Poland on Sunday to move clear as the top goalscorer in the tournament with five.
“We’ll enjoy this one but then our focus turns to that, it’s going to be a really tough game,” said Kane.
“They are reigning champions but it’s a good battle.”
