Image copyright: Getty Images
2022 FIFA World Cup
Last 16
England v Senegal
Al Bayt Stadium
Al Khor, Qatar
Sunday, 4 December 2022
Kick-off is at 21h00
Senegal will be looking to spring an upset when they take on England for the first time in the last 16 of the
2022 World Cup on Sunday, December 4.
The Lions of Teranga qualified for the knockout stages for the second time in only their third appearance at the tournament after finishing runners-up in Group A.
Their hopes of matching the class of 2002, who reached the quarter-finals on debut in Korea and Japan, looked in doubt when Aliou Cisse's side suffered a 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands in their opening match.
Image copyright: Getty Images
But the African champions bounced back with a 3-1 victory over Qatar before beating Ecuador 2-1 on Tuesday, November 29 to progress at La Tri's expense.
Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who scored his first international goal to clinch the win over Ecuador last time out, believes they are on the verge of something special and insists they don't fear the Three Lions.
"We did something good but it's only the beginning. England or whoever, we will do everything to win the game. We are Senegal, we fear no-one. Lots of teams don't want to play against us," the Chelsea defender said.
England are eyeing another deep run in the tournament after making it to the semi-finals in Russia four years ago before being knocked out by Croatia.
Gareth Southgate's team won Group B by going unbeaten in their opening three matches, having thrashed Iran 6-2 first up and then playing out to a disappointing 0-0 draw against the United States.
A 3-0 win over neighbours Wales on matchday 3 ensured top spot in their group, with a brace from Marcus Rashford taking him joint-top of the scoring charts with three goals.
Southgate acknowledged that Rashford is in a difference space compared to last year when he struggled to make an impact at Euro 2021 as well as for Manchester United.
"It's been a challenge for him," the 52-year-old said. "I went and saw him in the summer, had a long chat with him, and he had some clear ideas he felt he needed to think about and do.
"You can see with his club there has been happiness in his performances this year, and that has shown itself on the training ground with us.
"We have a different version completely to the player we had in the Euros last summer. He's managed to produce those moments tonight, and he could have had a hat-trick really. It's great for him, and because it's great for him it's great for us."
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