English national anthem is played before World Cup match with Senegal kicks off
England face Senegal in a World Cup last 16 clash in Qatar. After finishing top of Group B to qualify for the knockout stages, England’s bid to win the World Cup starts to get serious with a place in the quarter-finals on the line. England had to endure penalties as they beat Colombia at this stage in Russia four years ago, and Gareth Southgate will be hoping there is less tension tonight against Senegal.
In what has been a wildly unpredictable World Cup so far, England’s path to the last 16 was rather more serene than some of the other tournament contenders. Despite the boos that followed the goalless draw with the USA, England thrashed both Iran and Wales and finished the group stage as the tournament’s top scorers. Marcus Rashford’s double against Wales had given Southgate a selection headache, but Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden were instead preferred with Raheem Sterling unavailable for selection and dealing with a family matter.
This is England’s first meeting with Senegal, who remain a threat despite the absence of injured star Sadio Mane. Senegal are the champions of Africa and reached the last 16 by defeating Ecuador in a crunch clash in Group A. Aliou Cisse’s side are experienced and know how to deliver on the big stage, while the Lions of Teranga will be motivated by the chance to become the first African team to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the second time.
Follow all the action from England vs Senegal with our live blog below:
England 0-0 Senegal
9 mins: Phil Foden gets into a physical battle and wins the ball inside Senegal’s half managing to prod it up to Jude Bellingham who then gets clipped and wins a free kick.
A training ground move sees them pass the ball across to Kyle Walker who switches the play out to the left side of the box.
Declan Rice makes a late run, brings the ball under control then lifts one over to Harry Maguire who is beaten in the air allowing Senegal to clear.
England 0-0 Senegal
6 mins: Nervy.
Luke Shaw’s pass to Phil Foden is intercepted on England’s left wing and a simple forward pass splits the centre-backs playing Boulaye Dia into the box.
His touch is a little heavy as John Stones and Harry Maguire descend on top of him and the ball rolls through to Jordan Pickford.
England 0-0 Senegal
3 mins: Jordan Henderson receives the ball and makes a decent run through midfield before taking the ball over to the left wing and winning a throw in by sending the ball out off the legs of Nampalys Mendy.
England’s throw comes to Harry Kane on the edge of the box. He manages to turn and give it to Henderson who threads it out of play trying to put Phil Foden in behind.
Kick off: England 0-0 Senegal
Senegal get the match underway and thread the ball in the midfield. England try to press but the African champions play through it and work the ball out to the right wing.
It’s won by England sent into the box for Jordan Pickford who boots it clear as Boulaye Dia swoops down upon him.
England vs Senegal
Knockout football has arrived for England. They got through the last-16 during the last World Cup in Russia via a penalty shootout against Colombia.
Can they defeat Senegal tonight as well?
Southgate on Senegal
Gareth Southgate explained what he is expecting from tonight’s match versus Senegal saying: “They are very direct, they have pace, they are athletic and are well organised. They are African champions and have champions’ mentality.
“We have to play our way. We have to play to our strengths. We have shown what we are about in this tournament and we will continue that tonight.”
England vs Senegal
How will England fare tonight? Can they defeat Senegal, avoid penalties and set up a clash with France in the last eight?
(PA)
(PA)
Senegal must be prepared for ‘completely different’ World Cup knockout stages, says boss Aliou Cisse
The Africa Cup of Nations champions – without injured star forward Sadio Mane – needed to win to make it through from Group A, while a draw would have been good enough for Ecuador.
After seeing Watford forward Ismaila Sarr put Senegal in front from a penalty at the end of the first half, Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo pulled the South Americans level.
The Africa Cup of Nations champions secured the runners-up spot in Group A.
Raheem Sterling misses England World Cup match with Senegal with ‘family matter’
The return of Saka in place of three-goal leading scorer Rashford was the only change Gareth Southgate made for the tie at Al Bayt Stadium.
Saka, who netted a brace in England’s opening 6-2 win over Iran, was rested for the final Group B game against Wales, where Rashford also scored twice in a 3-0 victory.
But England boss Southgate opted to recall the Arsenal man for the first knockout stage, with Phil Foden and Jordan Henderson retaining their places in the side.
Sterling will take no part in the match, however.
The Chelsea winger was expected to be among England’s substitutes but he will be absent as he deals with a family issue
England vs Senegal
Senegal have reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the second time, previously doing so in their first appearance in 2002 (quarter-final).
Courtesy of beating Qatar and Ecuador in the group stages, Senegal have won consecutive World Cup matches for the first time.
Will they make it three from three?
