World Cup 2022 - England 3-0 Senegal: 'Gareth Southgate's critics must admit he got it spot on again'

Jordan Henderson's sweeping finish was not simply the pivotal moment in England's World Cup win over Senegal but a vindication of manager Gareth Southgate's sure touch in team selection.

Henderson has been a lightning conductor for critics ready to poke at Southgate's perceived conservatism, but if one pick showed the England manager's priceless ability to shut out the noise and focus on the requirements of tournament football it was his decision to stick with Liverpool's 32-year-old captain.

Needless to say, the court of social media opinion was vociferous in its condemnation of the choice before the game but Southgate is impervious to such outside influence and Henderson was central to a 3-0 win that sets up a quarter-final with France on Saturday.

England beat Senegal to set up France quarter-final

How to follow England quarter-final with France

Fifa World Cup: Groups and schedule

When England were struggling against the USA in the group stage, Southgate ignored those of us who felt Manchester City's Phil Foden was the answer and called on Henderson to restore control with his vast experience. He did the job, then did it again in the 3-0 victory that sent Wales home as England topped their group.

Henderson may lack the so-called "X Factor" of many of those around him in England's squad, but as old Liverpool manager Bob Paisley used to say: "You need somebody to carry the piano before anyone else can play it."

This is a quality and team ethic Southgate recognises in Henderson and why he will start again against France. The manner in which he, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice combine in midfield now looks an unbreakable link.

Southgate said: "Jordan has been outstanding. He's such a leader. He knits the team together and around the camp he's brilliant. His performances have been top drawer."

#Watchvideo : SECURITY FORCES BURST THE CAMP OF UNKNOWN GUNMEN IN AKOKWA

Security Forces in the state through a coordinated intelligence report has bursted the camp of the unknown gunmen at Akokwa, Arondizuogu after a long gun duel which resulted to the death of some of the criminals and others arrested. These criminal elements have been known to be behind several attacks in the state such as the killing of police men in Mbaise, Aba Branch in Ehime Mbano, burning down of police stations, attack and attempted kidnapping of former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, abduction of Miss. P.P. Johnson, a female soldier in Okigwe and recently the attack in Akokwa that left many dead. It is obvious that these daredevil gunmen have been perpetuating their evil plans unabated until yesterday when their camp was bursted by security agencies. This is another assurance that our security operatives are leaving no stone unturned in the fight against banditry and other related activities. While it has become obvious that the activities of these non state actors are politically motivate...

BREAKING: 2Baba Shot Dead In Rivers State

A notorious cult leader and the prime suspect in the brutal murder of the late Divisional Police Officer, SP Bako Angbashim, in the state, Gift Okpara, popularly referred to as 2Baba, has been reportedly killed in a police-led major security raid. The police and other security agencies were said to have conducted land and aerial raids at the identical hideout of the Iceland cult leader and his gang at Idu-Ekpeye in Ahoada East local government area of Rivers on Saturday, February 17. According to The Nation , the Iceland cult leader was reportedly feared dead after the operation. Recall that in September 2023, the late DPO was ambushed and captured by the cult group led by 2Baba in the Odiemudie community, Ahoada East LGA. 2Baba and his gang then took the DPO to the forest, where they killed him and dismembered his body. The cultists then filmed him. Another source, Obi, said he saw no less than 15 vehicles and an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) during th...

Prominent Leaders Pay Tribute to Late Sen Ifeanyi Ubah, at Anambra Community Candlelight Procession in Awka

Hundreds of mourners, friends, well-wishers, media representatives, and party faithful gathered are presently at Emmaus House in Awka for a candlelight procession to honor the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. Chief Egwuonwu in his speech expressed his deep grief over the loss of his friend and brother, Senator Ubah, saying it's hard to find words to convey his emotions. However, he says that he finds solace in the tremendous impact Senator Ubah had on the lives of those he encountered. Chief Owelle Mbaso, leader of Anambra Former Political Appointees in paying glowing tribute said that Senator Ubah led a life worthy of emulation. He said "he knew he wouldn't pass this way again,reason he ensured he impacted on several life's without expecting anything in return." Mr Linus Williams, BLord in a glowing tribute recounted how Late Senator Ubah helped him when he was wrongly accused of sponsoring terrorism. He said " even though I have not meet him or seen ...

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