'Go and take them on': Roy Keane insists England's youngsters have NOTHING to fear against reigning champions France in the quarter-final - and says it was their performance against Senegal that made it an 'easy game'
- Roy Keane praised England's players for the way they came through last-16 tie
- Said their performance against Senegal ensured it was an 'easy' game
- England will face France on Saturday night bidding to reach the semi-finals
- Keane said Southgate's players will have no fear against the reigning champions
- Click for more from Sportsmail's Qatar 2022 World Cup coverage
Roy Keane has heaped praise on England's players for ensuring their potentially tricky last-16 tie against Senegal became an 'easy' game - before saying they will not fear France.
Goals from Jordan Henderson, set up by a magnificent Jude Bellingham run, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka set up a mouth-watering quarter-final tie between England and France on Saturday night.
In what could have proved to have been a difficult game to negotiate, Gareth Southgate's side rode some punches early on before punishing the reigning African champions for their prolificacy with two quick-fire first half goals.
![Roy Keane praised England's players for making potentially tricky Senegal tie an 'easy' game](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/04/20/65230487-0-image-a-133_1670186211681.jpg)
Roy Keane praised England's players for making potentially tricky Senegal tie an 'easy' game
Speaking after the game, Keane was highly complimentary of England's performance.
'We spoke about these players before the game, and what they're doing is producing. It's about what you do today, in these games. France coming up in the next few days, but that's why the players deserve credit.
'They're producing week in, week out and that's why they're top players. Still young, you know their best days are still ahead, they're fantastic and they're producing.'
![Jude Bellingham was instrumental as England brushed aside Senegal to set up France tie](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/04/20/65230607-0-image-a-134_1670186214467.jpg)
Jude Bellingham was instrumental as England brushed aside Senegal to set up France tie
Addressing hypothetical suggestions that England's critics might label Senegal easy opponents, Keane said that it only ended up being so because they made it comfortable.
'This ended up being an easy game, but their performance made it an easy game. The second half, [was just] walking pace. The first half, the damage was done - the second goal just on half time.
'These young players, will they be fearful of France? Absolutely not. Go and take them on, show some courage, bravery. That's what they've been doing the last few years and all credit to them.'
Keane singled out Bellingham, who put in a stunning performance in central midfield to wrestle the balance of play away from Senegal, for particular praise.
![Gareth Southgate's side's victory ensured they maintained their impressive knockout record under the coach](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/04/22/65233835-11501447-image-a-6_1670193797304.jpg)
Gareth Southgate's side's victory ensured they maintained their impressive knockout record under the coach
'When it's a bit tight you need a midfielder to run and produce a bit of magic, and that's what Bellingham did there. Brilliant. This is what you want from a midfielder, powerful, strong, anticipation, a little bit of luck but it's game over,' he said of Bellingham's run to set up England's second goal.
'He’s going to be a superstar that kid. We keep using the word but maturity, he plays like he’s played 100 times for England.'
Having come through the Senegal test, maintaining their impressive scoring streak - when they have scored at this World Cup they have gone on to score at least three - England's attention now turns to reigning world champions France.
Didier Deschamps' side beat Poland 3-1, thanks to goals from Olivier Giroud, becoming France's all-time leading scorer in the process, and Kylian Mbappe.
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