FOOTBAL: ENGLAND BEATS SENEGAL TO SETUP QUARTER FNALS AGAINST FRANCE
England will meet France in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday after an impressive demolition of Senegal at Al Bayt Stadium. Gareth Southgate's side survived a nervy opening in which goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made an outstanding save from Boulaye Dia to run out convincing winners with a powerful display of attacking strength. Jude Bellingham was England's star man, setting up the first goal for Jordan Henderson with a perfect cross after 38 minutes then having a hand in the second on the stroke of half-time, combining with Phil Foden as captain Harry Kane powered home his first of the tournament. It left Kane just one behind Wayne Rooney's all-time record of 53 England goals and he now has the perfect stage here in Qatar to write a fresh page in the history books. Foden was the creator once more as England wrapped the game up in the 57th minute, crossing for Bukayo Saka to show great awareness and touch to flick a delicate finish past Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. It capped the perfect night for manager Southgate, who opted to restore Saka and keep faith with Foden, leaving out Marcus Rashford despite his two goals in the win over Wales. Raheem Sterling was not considered after a break-in at his family home and will now return to England.
The following games will be coming up tomorrow in the last round of 16 matches in the World Cup.
Morocco will exchange lessons with Spain in the first encounter of the day, while
Portugal will battle things out with Switzerland in the last game of the day.
American Football.
NFL week 13: San Francisco 49ers beat Miami Dolphins while Deshaun Watson wins on return from suspension
The San Francisco 49ers won their big game against the Miami Dolphins but lost another starting quarterback for the season after Jimmy Garoppolo broke his foot. Joe Burrow rallied the Cincinnati Bengals to victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in their play-off rematch, while Aaron Rodgers led a Green Bay Packers comeback against the Chicago Bears. Deshaun Watson was booed upon his return and the Philadelphia Eagles won again to still hold the NFL's best record at 11-1. Several big names went down with injuries, while there was also a rare tied game as the New York Giants and Washington Commanders could not be separated.
Two of the hottest teams in the league met in San Francisco where the 49ers had to lean on rookie Brock Purdy to steer them to a 33-17 victory over the Dolphins to join Miami on 8-4 for the season. After losing starter Trey Lance earlier in the season, the 49ers lost their second quarterback of the season as Garoppolo, who led them to the Super Bowl three seasons ago, left the game with a broken foot. With one of the best teams in the league and holding genuine Super Bowl chances, San Francisco currently have rookie Purdy as their QB. He has the rather unfortunate label as this season's 'Mr Irrelevant' having being chosen with the 262nd and very last pick of the 2022 NFL draft. Purdy stepped up pretty well with two touchdown passes but the Niners' defence was again the star as they bottled up Miami's previously flying offense - sacking Tua Tagovailoa three times, intercepting him twice and forcing a fumble.
Cricket.
West Indies v England: Nat Sciver scores 90 on return to side as visitors comfortably win first ODI.
England cruised to a comprehensive 143-run win over West Indies in the first one-day international in Antigua. Having been put in to bat, Nat Sciver's 90 from 96 balls propelled England to 307-7. England slipped to 127-4 before a partnership of 102 between Sciver and Danni Wyatt, who made 68, steered the game back in the tourists' favour. Spinner Charlie Dean then took 4-35 as West Indies slumped to 165 all out with 9.3 overs remaining. It was an impressive return to the side for Sciver, who took a break from the game after the Commonwealth Games in August, and a first win for England under their new coach, Jon Lewis. The West Indies' batters struggled to keep up with the run-rate throughout the chase, which was halted by star player Hayley Matthews being taken off the pitch with cramp when she was on eight. Kycia Knight and Rashada Williams led the hosts to 84-1 before Dean's spell sparked a dramatic collapse, with Matthews returning to bat but only managing to score 34. There was also an injury concern for England as Alice Capsey landed awkwardly on her left shoulder attempting to save a boundary. The 18-year-old left the field to be assessed by the medical team and did not return for the remainder of the match. The series continues with the second ODI at the same venue on Tuesday.
