World Cup: Stories from the last 16

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Let's explore some of the best stories from the last 16 of the World Cup

England ease to next round despite nervy start

FIFA World Cup 2022 - Round of 16 - England 3:0 Senegal - Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor - December 4, 2022

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. This all leaves the Spurs striker 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.

World Cup: England send Wales home (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)

Foden was the creator once more as England wrapped the game up in the 57th minute, crossing for Bukayo Saka to show fantastic awareness and touch to flick a delicate finish past Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Highlights from ITV Sport - YouTube

Giroud has historic moment for France

Olivier Giroud became France's all-time leading men's goalscorer as the World Cup holders coasted past Poland to reach the quarterfinals. He scored his 52nd goal for France to claim the country's outright record, surpassing the great Thierry Henry.

The historic goal came on the stroke of half-time after Giroud controlled Kylian Mbappe's pass before converting low into the net beyond the reach of Wojciech Szczesny.

Having provided the assist for the first goal, the brilliant Mbappe turned on the style by scoring two fabulous strikes in the second half. Later in the game, he hit a powerful drive into the roof of the net from 16 yards for his first and curled home a second in injury time to take the lead in the Golden Boot race with five goals. 

France face England in the next round!

One England fan added: "As an England fan, I have no idea how we're supposed to stop Mbappe. He gets himself into an area where he doesn't look likely to score, you think he's searching for the pass. Then he just says forget this and lashes it into the top corner, simple as you like. Insane talent!"

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