England vs Senegal LIVE: World Cup 2022 score and result as England cruise into quarter-final against France

England set up a mouth-watering quarter-final against holders France with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Senegal which included a first goal at this World Cup from Harry Kane and virtuosos performances from Jordan Henderson, Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham.

The Three Lions initially looked sluggish against Senegal’s pacy forwards, in the two nations’ first-ever encounter, with a wonderful one-handed save by Jordan Pickford stopping Boulaye Dia from giving the African side a shock lead.

But Henderson settled England’s nerves in the 38th minute, stroking the ball home after being played in by Bellingham at the end of a lovely passing move.

Kane then struck a ferocious shot past goalkeeper Edouard Mendy with the last kick of the first half, leaving him one goal behind Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 goals for England. Bukayo Saka bagged the third with a neat chip over Mendy after a cross by Foden in the 57th minute as England’s goalfest in Qatar - 12 so far - continued.

Relive all the action from England vs Senegal with our live blog below:

England vs Senegal World Cup 2022 latest updates

• England cruise past Senegal 3-0 in the World Cup 2022 last 16 to set up a quarter-final against France

• Henderson, Kane and Saka all score in impressive win

• FULL-TIME! England 3-0 Senegal

• 57’ - GOAL! Saka neatly turns in Foden’s pinpoint cross as England cruise (ENG 3-0 SEN)

• 45+3’ - GOAL! Kane scores first goal of World Cup after good work by Bellingham and Foden (ENG 2-0 SEN)

• 42’ - CHANCE! Kane spoons Saka’s cross over the bar (ENG 1-0 SEN)

• 39’ - GOAL! Henderson finishes well from Bellingham cross (ENG 1-0 SEN)

• 31’ - SAVE! Pickford repels Dia’s effort after Saka mistake (ENG 0-0 SEN)

• 24’ - CHANCE! Maguire loses the ball but Sarr shoots over (ENG 0-0 SEN)

FT England 3-0 Senegal

21:09 , Michael Jones

Reaction to England’s win.

England’s route to the World Cup final: Who do Three Lions play next after beating Senegal?

21:06 , Michael Jones

Gareth Southgate’s England squad will be hoping to make it back-to-back finals in major international competitions - and this time go one step better and lift the trophy.

Four years ago the Three Lions reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup as the upturn in international fortunes began under Southgate, before they went the distance to the final at Euro 2020. Now in Qatar the objective will remain the same, to end the long wait since 1966 for success on the biggest stage.

Three matches in the group phase were safely negotiated as they topped Group B and now three further knock-out fixtures must be navigated before the trophy is up for grabs on 18 December at the 80,000-seater Lusail Stadium.

England navigated the qualifiers with ease to reach Qatar, winning eight and drawing two to finish ahead of Poland, Albania, Hungary, Andorra and San Marino. But many of those matches were merely opportunities for Southgate and his coaches to put early plans in place and get an idea of how the team can continue to be built in the pursuit of success this winter.

Here is the route England must now take to reach the World Cup final for the first time in over 50 years, and the sides they’ll face along the way.

Who do England play next after beating Senegal?

When do England play next after beating Senegal at the World Cup?

21:03 , Michael Jones

England are through to the World Cup quarter-finals after beating Senegal and will now face France in the last eight. But when are the Three Lions back in action?

When do England play next after beating Senegal at the World Cup?

England vs Senegal player ratings as Jordan Henderson inspires turnaround in World Cup last-16 win

21:00 , Michael Jones

England are through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup 2022 after thrashing Senegal in Qatar.

The Three Lions survived a couple of early scares against the African champions, with Jordan Pickford saving from Boulaye Dia and Ismaila Sarr missing the target from close range.

But the breakthrough came on the counter-attack, and from an unlikelty source as Jordan Henderson finished Jude Bellingham’s cross to give England the lead against the run of play.

From there, England grew in confidence and Harry Kane finished off another swift counter-attack to double England’s lead just before half-time with his first goal of the tournament.

Bukayo Saka added a third in the second half with a dinked finish, as England cruised into the last eigtht. Here are how the England players rated as Gareth Southgate’s side set up a quarter-final clash with France.

Here’s how the players rated for England’s last-16 victory:

Player ratings as Jordan Henderson inspires England response in World Cup last-16 win

FT England 3-0 Senegal

20:56 , Michael Jones

Full-time: England 3-0 Senegal

20:53 , Michael Jones

90+4 mins: England win! They’re through to the quarter-finals and set up a clash with the reigning world champions, France, which in truth will be an exceptionally close affair.

This is Gareth Southgate’s eighth knockout game as England manager and he hasn’t lost one in 90 minutes yet. England knockout the African champions and head into the next round.

England 3-0 Senegal

20:51 , Michael Jones

90+2 mins: Rice gives away a needless free kick just outside England’s penalty area and Bamba Dieng is lining up a shot. He hits the set piece and smokes it straight at Eric Dier in the England wall.

Two minutes to play.

England 3-0 Senegal

20:49 , Michael Jones

90 mins: Four minutes of added time to play at the end of this match.

Kane and Grealish combine to work the ball down the left wing before giving it to Shaw on the overlap. Shaw dinks the ball over to the back post where Rashford arrives and knocks a diving effort into the near side netting.

England 3-0 Senegal

20:46 , Michael Jones

86 mins: Youssouf Sabaly gets forward on the left wing before whipping a cross into England’s penalty area. Jordan Pickford is out quickly and confidently plucks the ball out of the air.

Senegal have been nullified in this half. They’ve hardly created a chance on Pickford’s goal.

England 3-0 Senegal

20:41 , Michael Jones

83 mins: Jordan Henderson gets a big round of applause as he heads off the pitch for England. He opened the scoring today and started the Three Lions on the trajectory to the quarter-finals.

Kalvin Phillips gets the last 10 minutes to play.

England 3-0 Senegal

20:39 , Michael Jones

81 mins: Marcus Rashford brings the ball down as it comes over the ball down the right wing. He delivers the ball into a good area in the box but Harry Kane can’t reach it with a stretching lunge.

A touch from the captain there and it would have been four for England.

England 3-0 Senegal

20:37 , Michael Jones

78 mins: Kalidou Koulibaly has a nibble on Harry Kane and leaves the England captain in a heap on the floor. Koulibaly goes in the book and England have a free kick.

Eric Dier and Mason Mount come on to replace John Stones and Jude Bellingham.

England 3-0 Senegal

20:33 , Michael Jones

75 mins: Close! England give away a free kick about 25 yards out from goal if not slightly more than that. Pape Matar Sarr takes the set piece and drills a shot at goal.

He gets it around the wall but the ball skips through the box and lands on the outside of the side netting. Jordan Pickford had it covered too so there was no real danger of England conceding.

England 3-0 Senegal

20:31 , Michael Jones

72 mins: Into the final 20 minutes now and England look to have the game sown up. The zip and verve has gone out of Senegal’s press with England seemingly able to keep the ball at will.

England 3-0 Senegal

20:29 , Michael Jones

69 mins: Bukayo Saka now has three goals in this tournament for England. How many more can he get?

England 3-0 Senegal

20:24 , Michael Jones

66 mins: Two substitutions from Gareth Southgate now. Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka go off with Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish introduced.

England float a free kick into the box but some shoving from Harry Maguire sees Senegal awarded a free kick of their own.

England 3-0 Senegal

20:23 , Michael Jones

63 mins: Pape Gueye challenges Jordan Henderson to an aerial ball and knocks knees with the England man. Henderson goes down and needs a bit of treatment.

He’ll be fine to play on.

England 3-0 Senegal

20:20 , Michael Jones

60 mins: England are in total control and have one foot into the last eight. Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford have been sent out to warm up so there’ll be a few changes soon enough.

Senegal look rocked. They’ve been bamboozled by England either side of half-time.

GOAL! England 3-0 Senegal (Saka, 57’)⚽️

20:16 , Michael Jones

57 mins: Another one! England are running rampant in this knockout match now. Luke Shaw sends the ball up to Harry Kane who turns England towards goal once again.

He threads the ball over to Phil Foden who rides a tackle before squaring the ball into the box allowing Bukayo Saka to guide it home.

England 2-0 Senegal

20:15 , Michael Jones

56 mins: Close! Senegal are at sea a bit now that they’re having to chase the game. England feed the ball up to Harry Kane who spins just outside the edge of the box and shoots.

Edouard Mendy drops low and spills the ball but somehow keeps it out.

England 2-0 Senegal

20:13 , Michael Jones

54 mins: Close! England look increasingly more dangerous and effective. Declan Rice steps up and wins the ball in midfield before giving it to Harry Kane.

He slips a pass into the box for Bukayo Saka who then smokes a shot over the crossbar!

England 2-0 Senegal

20:09 , Michael Jones

51 mins: Youssouf Sabaly makes an overlapping run on the right wing and swings in a cross that is too far behind Bamba Dieng for him to get on the end off.

John Stones gets the ball away but it drops to Pape Sarr who blazes a snapshot wide of the right-hand post.

England 2-0 Senegal

20:07 , Michael Jones

48 mins: Senegal already seem more intent with their pressing which is leaving more room in the middle of the pitch for England to utilise.

They’ll be more at ease now that they’ve got a two-goal cushion. The onus is all on Senegal to take the attack to England now.

Second half: England 2-0 Senegal

20:05 , Michael Jones

England have control of the match now and just need to keep things tight and composed and a place in the quarter-finals will be theirs.

The Three Lions kick off the next 45 minutes having made no changes.

Aliou Cisse meanwhile swaps out three players at the break. Pape Gueye, Bamba Dieng and Pape Matar Sarr all come on with Iliman Ndiaye, Pathe Ciss and Krepin Diatta going off.

HT England 2-0 Senegal

20:00 , Michael Jones

Harry Kane has now scored 11 goals at major tournaments for England with seven at the World Cup and four at the European Championship.

With his goal tonight Kane has overtaken Gary Linekar (10) as the Three Lions’ all-time top scorer in such competitions.

HT England 2-0 Senegal

19:56 , Michael Jones

HT England 2-0 Senegal

19:53 , Michael Jones

Half-time: England 2-0 Senegal

19:51 , Michael Jones

45+3 mins: There goes the whistle and all the England fans with be sighing with relief. A brilliant 10 minutes to end the first half has sent the Three Lions into the break with a two-goal lead.

Can they improve on that in the second half?

GOAL! England 2-0 Senegal (Kane, 45+3’)⚽️

19:48 , Michael Jones

45+3 mins: Harry Kane gets his goal! England have their second! It’s a great counter-attack from Gareth Southgate’s men.

Jude Bellingham nicks the ball back just outside his own box before driving into midfield and working his way around three defenders before feeding the ball up to Phil Foden on the left.

Foden continues to carry the ball up the the final third and slides one over to Harry Kane who nudges it into the box and blasts a shot past Edouard Mendy to double England’s lead!

England 1-0 Senegal

19:46 , Michael Jones

45 mins: Declan Rice evades a tackle inside his own half and storms down the right wing. His low cross gets turned behind and England win a corner.

Phil Foden delivers a high ball to the far side of the box where Harry Maguire is beaten to it by Kalidou Koulibaly who nods the ball clear.

Two minutes of added time to play.

England 1-0 Senegal

19:42 , Michael Jones

42 mins: Chance! England change their method of attack as Jordan Pickford pings a long ball up the pitch. It’s played over to Bukayo Saka on the right wing who drives up to the edge of the box before picking out Harry Kane in the area.

The ball is slightly behind Kane but he manages to get a shot away and lifts it over the crossbar!

GOAL! England 1-0 Senegal (Henderson, 39’)⚽️

19:38 , Michael Jones

39 mins: England lead! The Three Lions defend the free kick and work the ball down the left wing. Harry Kane drops deep to recover the ball and spins towards goal.

He threads a pass into Jude Bellingham who carries the ball into the box before pulling it back to Jordan Henderson. Henderson makes his run from deep but there’s no one around as the ball comes to him and he turns it confidently into the back of the net!

England 0-0 Senegal

19:37 , Michael Jones

36 mins: Foden and Bellingham try to get the ball into the box from the left but they’re forced to retreat. England then pass the ball backwards once again before slowly sending it over to Kyle Walker on the right.

He tussles with Ismaila Sarr who wins the ball and then gets pulled down by Walker for a Senegal free kick.

England 0-0 Senegal

19:34 , Michael Jones

33 mins: England need to wake up. They need to move the ball quicker and actually start running around the pitch. So far they’ve been very complacent and unimaginative.

Saka’s mistake almost cost them a goal and Jordan Pickford is letting the players know that.

England 0-0 Senegal

19:32 , Michael Jones

30 mins: Save! Incredible work from Jordan Pickford. England continue to dally and mess up. Bukayo Saka gives the ball away to Ismaila Sarr who flicks the ball into the box for Boulaye Dia.

Dia works it into space and shoots but Pickford sticks out a left-hand and manages to keep the ball out!

England 0-0 Senegal

19:28 , Michael Jones

27 mins: It’s all too slow from England. They’re struggling to get through the Senegal press and feed the creative players higher up the pitch.

Senegal are just keeping their shape tight and waiting for the mistakes to come from the defenders trying to thread the ball through the lines.

England 0-0 Senegal

19:24 , Michael Jones

24 mins: Chance! Harry Maguire gives the ball away and Senegal break into the box. The cross comes over to Boulaye Dia who is up against John Stones.

Senegal’s striker flicks the ball on and it bounces into the six-yard box off Stones’ hand. Isamaila Sarr is on hand to get to the loose ball but he lifts it over the crossbar!

That’s a warning sign for England.

England 0-0 Senegal

19:21 , Michael Jones

21 mins: Close! Phil Foden swings in the corner ball for England and picks out John Stones’ run towards the near post. The ball arrives just before Stones and it hits him on the shoulder before looping high and wide of the target.

Stones is visibly disappointed with that effort.

England 0-0 Senegal

19:20 , Michael Jones

18 mins: Senegal’s shape is quite good. England want to control possession but the African champions are cutting off their routes into midfield which means the Three Lions have to settle for slow, short passes around the back.

Kyle Walker slides a pass down the line and wins England a corner as the ball deflects behind off Isamila Sarr.

England 0-0 Senegal

19:15 , Michael Jones

15 mins: Quality play from Harry Kane to keep the ball under control with three Senegalese players trying to nick it away from him. England’s captain manages to prod the ball over to Kyle Walker before getting brought down by Abdou Diallo.

Walker then slides a pass into the box to match a run from Bukayo Saka but he’s shoved away from the ball by Kalidou Koulibaly who marshalls it out for a goal kick.

England 0-0 Senegal

19:12 , Michael Jones

12 mins: England are controlling the play and working it from side-to-side trying to create an opening in the Senegal defence to exploit.

The ball comes to Bukayo Saka who spins around Ismail Jakobs and gets in behind. Saka’s cross is lifted over to the far side but goes over Phil Foden’s head and bounces out of the penalty area.

England 0-0 Senegal

19:08 , Michael Jones

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

19:06 , Michael Jones

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

19:04 , Michael Jones

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

19:01 , Michael Jones

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

18:55 , Michael Jones

Here come the teams.

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

18:51 , Michael Jones

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

18:48 , Michael Jones

How will England fare tonight? Can they defeat Senegal, avoid penalties and set up a clash with France in the last eight?

Senegal must be prepared for ‘completely different’ World Cup knockout stages, says boss Aliou Cisse

18:45 , Michael Jones

Senegal coach Aliou Cisse knows his side must be prepared for a totally different type of football after securing their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup 2022 with a 2-1 victory over Ecuador.

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.

Senegal must be prepared for ‘completely different’ knockout stages, says boss Cisse

Raheem Sterling misses England World Cup match with Senegal with ‘family matter’

18:42 , Michael Jones

Raheem Sterling was unavailable for England’s World Cup last-16 clash against Senegal as Bukayo Saka replaced Marcus Rashford in the starting lineup.

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.

Raheem Sterling misses England World Cup match with Senegal with ‘family matter’

England vs Senegal

18:39 , Michael Jones

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?

England ‘mentally and physically’ prepared for penalties, Gareth Southgate insists

18:36 , Michael Jones

Gareth Southgate says his team are mentally and physically ready for another penalty shoot-out – and he would not hesitate to ask Marcus Rashford or Bukayo Saka to take a spot-kick at the World Cup.

The national team’s penalty problems down the years are well documented, with all three World Cup shoot-outs ending in defeat before a success at the expense of Colombia in Russia four years ago.

England followed that by winning bronze on spot-kicks at the Nations League finals against Switzerland in 2019, only for penalties to prove their undoing in last year’s European Championship final.

England ‘mentally and physically’ prepared for penalties, Gareth Southgate insists

John Stones speaking to ITV

18:33 , Michael Jones

England defender John Stones’ pre-match thoughts: “We’ve seen how important everyone has been coming off the bench or starting.

“We’ve got great attackers so whoever starts, hopefully they can bring that to the game.

“The counter attack is a challenge from Senegal. They are a very organised and athletic team, from what we have seen. We’ve got to be disciplined for the 90 or 120 minutes, whatever it may be and keep the ball high up the pitch.”

England vs Senegal

18:30 , Michael Jones

African nations have lost eight of their nine World Cup knockout round games against European sides, with the exception being Senegal’s 2-1 win over Sweden in the round of 16 in 2002.

However, in all competitions, England have never lost against an African side in their history with 14 wins and six draws.

Pre-match thoughts of Gareth Southgate

18:27 , Michael Jones

England boss Gareth Southgate spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live in the build-up to today’s match saying: “We are two tournaments on from when we played Colombia at this stage in Moscow. I think our level of experience is better, our level of ambition is different.

“When we qualified from our group stage in Russia, we were probably celebrating quite a bit. This time was a great evening for our fans and we enjoyed the win, but we were already thinking of the next game.

“We know the focus has to be on this one game, nothing else.

“We are aiming to win the game and avoid extra time and penalties, but if we need to go 120 minutes or beyond that we have to be ready for that mentally and physically and I believe we are.”

Can England reach the quarter-finals?

18:24 , Michael Jones

England are looking to reach the quarter-final in consecutive editions of the World Cup for the first time since 2002 and 2006.

The Three Lions have been eliminated from just two of their seven round of 16 ties at the tournament, doing so against Germany in 2010 (1-4) and via penalty shootout against Argentina in 1998.

England vs Senegal referee: Who is World Cup 2022 official Ivan Barton?

18:21 , Michael Jones

Referee Ivan Barton is in charge of England’s last-16 clash with Senegal at the World Cup.

The 31-year-old referee from El Salvador is making his first appearance at a World Cup and has officiated two matches so far in Qatar: Japan’s shock victory over Germany and Brazil’s 1-0 win against Switzerland.

Barton has been a Fifa listed referee since 2018 and has previously officiated in Concacaf qualifiers, as well as in the El Salvador domestic league.

At 31 years old, Barton is younger than England players Kyle Walker, Jordan Henderson and Kieran Trippier.

Who is the referee of England vs Senegal at the World Cup?

Keown confident England can beat Senegal

18:18 , Michael Jones

Former England and Arsenal star Martin Keown is confident that England can get the job done against Senegal tonight and says that the absence of Sadio Mane is a huge blow to the African champions.

“Senegal are used to winning. They are coming with no Sadio Mane, which is a big blow, but they’ve managed that well.” said Keown

“Kalidou Koulibaly played really well in their last game, but he has got weaknesses as well. We shouldn’t be lumping balls into the box, we should exploit the space around him.

“I am confident that England have the tools to beat Senegal. We just need to prove it on the pitch now. We need to be confident but not arrogant.

“There is a balance because any opponent you have to respect but you have to, deep down, feel you can beat.”

England vs Senegal

18:15 , Michael Jones

The Lions of Teranga have brought a lot of passionate fans to each of their group stage matches and tonight is no different. The African champions seem up for this game tonight and they have the ability to cause an upset against England.

England vs African opposition

18:11 , Michael Jones

England have never lost in seven previous World Cup matches against African opposition with four wins and three draws.

Their only previous such game in the knockout stage came against Cameroon in the 1990 quarter-final where they won 3-2 after extra time, with their goals coming from David Platt and two Gary Lineker penalties.

Gareth Southgate embracing expectations as England ready for Senegal clash

18:07 , Michael Jones

Gareth Southgate is embracing the increased expectations, selection headaches and chance to put smiles on supporters’ faces at a challenging time as England face Senegal in the World Cup last-16.

All eyes will be on cavernous Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday evening as the Group B winners play their first knockout match on the world stage since the agonising extra-time semi-final loss to Croatia in 2018.

England built on that performance by winning bronze at the following year’s Nations League before going on a memorable run to last year’s European Championship final at Wembley.

Gareth Southgate embracing expectations as England ready for Senegal clash

Foden ready to take England chance

18:03 , Michael Jones

Manchester City star Phil Foden says that he is ready to take his chance when England play Senegal in the World Cup last-16 tonight.

Speaking about his international career so far Foden told the BBC: “It has been up and down, [I am] disappointed not to start more games but it is part of the tournament. I am a team player and when I get the opportunities I’ll take them.”

Foden has scored nine goals and assisted twice in 22 appearances for his club and country this season and was a pivotal part of England’s victory over Wales last time out.

What to expect from England vs Senegal

17:58 , Michael Jones

England and Senegal will clash at Al Bayt Stadium at the Qatar World Cup, with a quarter-final place at stake.

A first meeting for the two sides - with Senegal having edged out Ecuador and Gareth Southgate’s side having eased past Wales to round of their group stage.

Other than Ben White who has flown home due to personal reasons, Southgate has a fully fit squad to choose from. There’s no shortage of selection dilemmas though, with Jordan Henderson, Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden pushing to retain their places over Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka.

Senegal line-up

17:53 , Michael Jones

There is just change to the Senegal side who beat Ecuador last time out. Idrissa Gueye is out through suspension so Krepin Diatta comes in.

Senegal XI: E Mendy, Sabaly, Koulibaly, Diallo, Jakobs, Sarr, Ciss, N Mendy, Diatta, Ndiaye, Dia

Will Aliou Cisse make the game?

17:51 , Michael Jones

Senegal’s biggest issue may be the welfare of boss Aliou Cisse, who missed Saturday’s media duties through illness. Assistant coach Regis Bogaert replaced Cisse at the news conference and explained the situation saying:

"He has been sick for a couple of days now. He let us take charge of training yesterday, obviously with his instructions to the players.

"Hopefully tomorrow he will be able to come and be on the bench with the players but we are sure at 10pm he will be there with the team.

"I can confirm he is sick and has a bit of a temperature, that is why we have to be careful with his situation."

Southgate makes one change

17:48 , Michael Jones

Gareth Southgate has made just the one change to the England starting XI from the team that defeated Wales last time out. Marcus Rashford - who scored twice during that match - is dropped to the bench with Bukayo Saka coming in to replace him.

Bukayo Saka starts for England against Senegal as Marcus Rashford drops out

17:46 , Michael Jones

Gareth Southgate has restored Bukayo Saka to his England team for the World Cup last-16 tie with Senegal.

The Arsenal winger, who scored twice in the 6-2 opening win over Iran, was left out for the final game of Group B, a 3-0 victory over Wales, last time out.

But with a place in the quarter-finals against France at stake, Southgate has opted to recall him.

Marcus Rashford, who scored twice against Wales, drops back down to the bench.

Bukayo Saka starts for England against Senegal as Marcus Rashford drops out

England line-up

17:45 , Michael Jones

England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham, Henderson; Saka, Kane, Foden

Who would Three Lions play next if they beat Senegal?

17:43 , Michael Jones

Gareth Southgate’s England squad will be hoping to make it back-to-back finals in major international competitions later this year - and this time go one step better and lift the trophy.

Four years ago the Three Lions reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup as the upturn in international fortunes began under Southgate, before they went the distance to the final at Euro 2020. Now in Qatar the objective will remain the same, to end the long wait since 1966 for success on the biggest stage.

Three matches in the group phase and then three further knock-out fixtures must be navigated at the finals before the trophy is up for grabs on 18 December at the 80,000-seater Lusail Stadium.

England navigated the qualifiers with ease to reach Qatar, winning eight and drawing two to finish ahead of Poland, Albania, Hungary, Andorra and San Marino. But many of those matches were merely opportunities for Southgate and his coaches to put early plans in place and get an idea of how the team can continue to be built in the pursuit of success this winter.

Here is the route England must now take to reach the World Cup final for the first time in over 50 years, and the sides they’ll face along the way.

When is England’s next match if they beat Senegal?

Southgate not worried about ‘favourites’ tag

17:38 , Michael Jones

England go into this game as the favourites to progress to the quarter-finals despite them taking on the African champions Senegal but the added expectation on the Three Lions isn’t something that is worrying manager Gareth Southgate.

“We will be considered favourites,” Southgate said. “But that doesn’t really mean anything in a one-off game,

“It doesn’t mean there isn’t any pressure for Senegal because every international team has great pressure in their own nation and externally as well.”

Sterling not available for England

17:35 , Michael Jones

News is filtering through that Raheem Sterling won’t be available to feature for England this evening as he is dealing with a personal family matter.

His absence is a big loss for the Three Lions but they have plenty of attacking talent in the squad to compensate.

Rashford to start on the bench for England?

17:31 , Michael Jones

England are taking on Senegal for the first time ever in competitive football with a quarter-final place against France on the line.

The team news is expected out shortly with rumours circulating that Gareth Southgate is going to leave Marcus Rashford on the bench.

Rashford is England’s leading goalscorer having scored three goals so far in the competition.

The problem with England’s greatest strength? Senegal also have it

17:26 , Michael Jones

Almost every night throughout this World Cup, the England squad have gathered together in a huge TV room, to watch the games and discuss what they see. They don’t sit in cliques but rather as one big group, Jack Grealish often bouncing around between people. It has struck staff how so few ever spend time sitting in their rooms on the PlayStations and instead spend time together.

Brazil have most stood out for the players, and the general feeling is that if England are to actually win this World Cup then they will have to defeat Tite’s side. The squad had taken note of Senegal even before it was confirmed they would meet in the last 16, and their quality has been noted. England are expecting a robust challenge.

“We’ve all been watching every game so we have a slight understanding between us players of what they’re like, and I think they’ll be very athletic,” Jordan Henderson says. “Good players as well, and I think they’re quite high on confidence as a team, as they won the Africa Cup of Nations. They are used to winning.”

The problem with England’s greatest strength? Senegal also have it

Harry Kane insists he can hit form for England at right time in knockouts

17:21 , Michael Jones

England skipper Harry Kane is aiming to peak in time for the business end of World Cup 2022 having failed to score during the group stage.

The Tottenham Hotspur striker is just two goals away from equalling Wayne Rooney’s all-time national record but has yet to hit the back of the net in Qatar as he and his team-mates prepare to face Senegal in the last 16.

“I would love to be sitting here with two or three goals now, but I think the group stage has gone well,” Kane said, insisting he feels “fit and sharp”.

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

17:16 , Jamie Braidwood

The case for Bukayo Saka

Saka is another who, despite not featuring against Wales, has done nothing to deserve losing his place.

Two goals against Iran make him second only to Rashford among the squad for goals at this World Cup and, as a left-footed player comfortable with playing off the right, he is arguably the only option that fits Southgate’s preferred profile in that position. That helped the Arsenal winger get the nod over Foden for England’s two opening games.

His diligent work out of possession is another plus, especially given that Senegal’s attack will flow through left-winger Ismaila Sarr. If Southgate decides against risking Kyle Walker’s fitness up against Sarr and instead selects Kieran Trippier, Saka would offer added security over Foden or Rashford.

Saka’s only problem is that he is not Foden or Rashford, in that he would not be coming into the game off the back of a goalscoring performance. Again, it depends on how much stock Southgate puts on that second-half performance against Wales. He has not been a manager swayed by his team’s most recent showing in the past.

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

17:07 , Jamie Braidwood

The case for Phil Foden

The clamour for Foden to start reached fever pitch after the goalless draw with the United States. Southgate was always likely to rotate against Wales anyway but Foden got his start and got his goal – only the third of his international career, his first since a brace on his debut. As with Rashford, Southgate will need his reasons if the Manchester City youngster’s spell in the starting line-up is only a short one.

If there is a case against Foden, it is that he has rarely looked comfortable cutting inside from the right wing, a position that he only seldom plays at City. Foden himself admitted at the start of this tournament that England have seen nothing like the best of him. If he needs to play on the left of the attacking three in order to produce, he faces competition from both Sterling and Rashford.

Of all Southgate’s attacking options, Foden has the greatest versatility to drop into midfield and sees himself playing in that position one day. Yet Southgate is reluctant to start him there, agreeing with Pep Guardiola that there are elements of his game out of possession that have to improve before he can be consistently relied upon in a more central role.

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

16:57 , Jamie Braidwood

The case for Marcus Rashford

Three goals in just 108 minutes at this World Cup is as good an argument as any for Rashford to start. The Manchester United forward is England’s in-form player after his match-winning display against Wales and, having rebuilt his international career after nearly 18 months of exile, Southgate will need a convincing argument to send Rashford back on the substitutes bench against Senegal.

The biggest question mark over Rashford is whether Sunday’s last-16 clash will suit his style of play. The 25-year-old was struggling to make an impact in England’s final group outing until his spectacular free kick changed the pattern of the game, forcing Wales up the pitch and creating the space in behind in which he can thrive. Rashford is at his best when a game is stretched.

As Sterling’s main rival for the left-wing role, Southgate may decide not only to count on the Chelsea winger’s greater experience but also his superior link-up play and ability to play through low blocks. It would be harsh on a player who could not have done more to retain his spot in the line-up. Rashford might have to hope that his goals are compelling enough a reason to keep his spot.

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

16:47 , Jamie Braidwood

The case for starting Raheem Sterling

For the most part during Southgate’s reign, it has been Sterling and Kane in the attack plus one other. Together, the pair are responsible for a third of the goals scored under Southgate and theirs is a symbiotic relationship. Sterling’s seven assists for Kane is the most any England player has provided for another this century. Kane – increasingly more of a creator – returned the favour against Iran, setting up Sterling for England’s second.

Whenever Sterling’s importance to England is questioned, he seems to serve up a reminder of why he has consistently held down a starting place. At Euro 2020, as momentum was building behind the other attacking options at Southgate’s disposal, he was England’s outstanding performer and one of the players of the tournament. Sterling has already scored at this World Cup from a game and a half’s worth of minutes. That’s hardly just cause to be dropped.

Yet that goal against Iran was only his second in 15 games for club and country. There are caveats to his lack of form – his change of club, the club’s change of manager and sometimes a change of position to left wing-back under Graham Potter – and it is nothing that Sterling has not come through before. Southgate’s faith in Sterling is total as one of the leading figures of his time in charge but a recent lack of consistency in front of goal weakens his case to start.

16:30 , Ben Burrows

When people occasionally talk about this being the deepest talent pool of English players in a generation or more, they are often talking about the attack. Other areas of Gareth Southgate’s squad are a little light on established and trusted quality behind the regular starters. There are players who cannot easily be replaced at left-back, in the centre of defence, in midfield and at centre-forward.

That is not the case in the wide attacking positions. Southgate has a number of options to choose from in the roles either side of Harry Kane, ranging from the experienced to the inexperienced, from the explosive goalscorers to the intricate playmakers, from those in their prime to those with untapped potential.

It is no coincidence that whenever there is a clamour for a certain player to start, they usually play in these positions. It happened with Jack Grealish at last year’s European Championship, then with Phil Foden during the group stages of this World Cup, and eyebrows will now be raised if Marcus Rashford loses his place after his excellent start in Qatar.

When selecting who plays wide in the attack, whatever the system, Southgate has tended to follow a simple rule of having a left-footed player on the right and a right-footed player on the left. Yet even that changed at the start of the second half against Wales though, with Foden and Rashford reverting to their natural sides, and this arguably helped turn a goalless stalemate into a comfortable 3-0 victory.

Ahead of Sunday’s last-16 tie against Senegal, Southgate arguably has the closest selection call that he has ever had to make at a major tournament, with five viable contenders to start but only two positions to fill. Each has fors and againsts, pros and cons, and different strengths and weaknesses that may or may not suit the task at hand in Sunday’s evening kick-off.

With only few hours until kick-off, Mark Critchley assesses the decisions that Southgate has been pondering over the last few days:

Gareth Southgate has his closest selection call yet for England against Senegal

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

16:16 , Ben Burrows

Defeat for England tonight would be seen as a failure given the squad at Gareth Southgate’s disposal.

Having taken the nation to the semi-finals in Russia and the final of Euro 2020, he came under pressure for the first time during a winless run of six Nations League fixtures earlier this year.

Southgate’s contract runs to 2024 but he may decide - or the decision may be taken - that a last-16 exit here would spell the end of a successful tenure.

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

16:05 , Ben Burrows

Gareth Southgate says his team are mentally and physically ready for another penalty shoot-out - and he would not hesitate to ask Marcus Rashford or Bukayo Saka to take a spot-kick at the World Cup.

The national team’s penalty problems down the years are well documented, with all three World Cup shoot-outs ending in defeat before a success at the expense of Colombia in Russia four years ago.

England followed that by winning bronze on spot-kicks at the Nations League finals against Switzerland in 2019, only for penalties to prove their undoing in last year’s European Championship final.

Jadon Sancho, Rashford and Saka failed with their attempts in a heart-breaking loss that Southgate is confident the team have learned from ahead of Sunday’s last-16 clash against Senegal.

“Well, like every other aspect of our game, we’re prepared and we’ve had a process that we’ve followed,” said the England boss, who missed his penalty in the Euro 96 semi-final defeat to Germany.

“We’ve had three shoot-outs, we’ve won two, so inevitably the one that you don’t get over the line you reflect and you think about how you can improve those processes.

“We’ve done that over the last few months, in particular, but of course, there is so many other aspects to the game that we’ve got to get right.

“We’re aiming to win the game and to avoid extra-time if you can, and to avoid penalties if you can, because you’d like to get a victory in 90 minutes.

“But if we need to go 120 minutes, if we need to go beyond that, then we’ve got to be ready for that mentally and physically. And I believe we are.”

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

15:45 , Ben Burrows

Some housekeeping as England’s last-16 tie with Senegal hurtles ever closer.

In the UK, viewers will be able to watch the game on ITV1 on TV and ITVX online with coverage starting at 6pm.

For those in the US, the match will be broadcast on FS1 in English and in Spanish on Telemundo.

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

15:30 , Ben Burrows

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 has given Southgate a selection headache, with Phil Foden also pushing for another start against Senegal.

Here’s Miguel Delaney’s preview:

The problem with England’s greatest strength? Senegal also have it

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

15:15 , Ben Burrows

England are unbeaten against African teams in their 20 encounters but have never met Senegal, who were crowned African champions earlier this year.

Senegal also have several players who ply their trade in the Premier League and Championship, led by skipper Kalidou Koulibaly and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy who both play for Chelsea.

“We’ve been very impressed. We know that they’re African champions - very proud, great competitive spirit, a lot of belief in the team,” Gareth Southgate said.

“They have some excellent individual players who can cause problems - a good structure to the team as well. So I think Aliou has done a fantastic job.

“They were very unlucky not to qualify from the group in Russia (in 2018) and they’ve deservedly done it this time so we know exactly the size of the task ahead of us.”

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

15:02 , Ben Burrows

Declan Rice believes England’s “world-class” squad deserve to be feared at the World Cup.

Gareth Southgate’s side face Senegal in the last 16 on Sunday evening having progressed as winners of Group B.

While a goalless draw against the United States earned the England boss criticism from some quarters, the attacking intent in a 6-2 victory over Iran and a 3-0 win against Wales has caught the eye.

Marcus Rashford’s brace in the Wales game took him onto three in the tournament - level with the leaders in the race for the golden boot - while Bukayo Saka has two goals and both Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling have one apiece.

Captain Harry Kane is yet to get off the mark but has provided three assists and Southgate’s embarrassment of riches in attacking positions could prove the difference.

“I think it’s top, top level,” West Ham skipper Rice said of the England squad in Qatar. “It’s always nice to know you can bring players off the bench who can instantly change the game.

“Whether we’re drawing 0-0 and need a freshen up up front, or we need a change in legs in midfield, or even at the back, we’ve got players that are world class that can come on and change the game instantly.

“Throughout a World Cup you’re going to need that quality. So I think it ranks really high among other squads in the tournament.

“Why should we not be feared? I think other nations will always look at us and think about the quality we’ve got in the squad. If you look at our attacking players, there are world class, unbelievable talents across the board. Across the whole team.

“There are players who have played in the biggest games, won the biggest trophies. We are one of the biggest teams here.”

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

14:47 , Ben Burrows

Senegal will fear none of the England players they face in the last 16 of the World Cup, according to former Liverpool and Bolton striker El Hadji Diouf.

The 41 year-old has an advisory and ambassadorial role with Senegal, having been a member of the squad that reached the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup.

They famously beat holders France in the opening game before going on to lose to Turkey in the last eight, with current manager Aliou Cisse also part of the team.

Now, having progressed as runners-up behind the Netherlands in Group A - seeing off Ecuador and hosts Qatar to do so - Senegal come up against Gareth Southgate’s England on Sunday.

While England will be the favourites, Diouf - who spent 12 years playing in the United Kingdom, also taking in spells at Sunderland, Blackburn, Rangers, Doncaster and Leeds - insists Senegal will fancy their chances.

“Definitely no one,” he replied when asked which England players will be feared. “We have good players, they have good players and on the pitch it is 11 v 11 and you are fighting for your country.

“We are not here to say we are going to win the World Cup but we want to show the world we have the best goalkeeper in Edouard Mendy, one of the best defenders (Kalidou Koulibaly) and the best young players coming up.

“Of course, all the time in my life I wanted to play against England but it never happened. They have a chance to play against England, most of them live there and they want to show how good they are.

“If you are talking about one of the best players we have Ismaila Sarr, he is playing in the Championship but he is a Premier League player.”

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

14:30 , Ben Burrows

England were criticised after their goalless draw with the United States but advanced as Group B winners following convincing wins over Iran and Wales.

With the likes of Belgium - ranked second in the world - and Germany crashing out at the group stage, Stones does not want to see the current England crop come up short as they carry the hopes of a nation.

“I think it’s always difficult when you see big teams or big players in teams that don’t have the success that you want or don’t live up to the expectation of a nation or where they see themselves,” he added.

“We don’t ever want to fall into that category. I think that is great motivation for us as a reminder - you never want to take anything for granted or who you are playing against.”

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

14:15 , Ben Burrows

John Stones is proud of the way England defensive partner Harry Maguire has drowned out the noise over his poor form to shine at the World Cup.

Maguire has endured a tough start to the Premier League season and the Manchester United skipper found himself out of the side at Old Trafford in the weeks leading up to the finals.

Even his place in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad was questioned in some quarters but the England boss insists Maguire remains one of his best players.

Stones has always had Maguire’s back - the pair having first played against one another at the age of nine - and previously spoke about how they exchange texts with their friendship crossing the Manchester divide.

Maguire has been in fine form in England’s opening three games and Stones hailed the performances of the 29 year-old.

“I think right from the first game the best response is what he’s been doing,” the Manchester City centre-back said.

“All three games that he’s played in have been terrific and it’s about us finding that partnership again, whoever we play with, and I think we have done in these three games.

“Now it’s time to keep building, keeping improving and that’s great credit to him. I spoke at length on Harry before and there were lots of questions I got asked.

“Playing with someone for so many games at England, been through so many moments with him, knowing what he’s been going through at his club as well and the person that he is, I think it speaks volumes about him to come through that and still believe in himself like I believe in him, like all the team believes in him, his team-mates at United believe in him.

“I think there’s been a lot of noise from the outside which he has not listened to and tried to improve himself, better himself.

“He’s come into this tournament and hit the ground running, and that is great credit to him.”

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

14:00 , Ben Burrows

Some big match stats for as we continue our build-up to tonight’s game.

• After Marcus Rashford’s second goal in their 3-0 win over Wales, England became the seventh team to reach the milestone of 100 World Cup goals after Brazil, Germany, Italy, Argentina, France and Spain.

• Senegal have reached the World Cup knockout stage for the second time. Their previous last 16 appearance came in 2002, when coach Aliou Cisse was captain.

• England are unbeaten against African opposition in all 21 meetings. At the World Cup, they have won three and drawn three times against teams from Africa.

• This will be the first-ever meeting between the two teams.

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

13:44 , Ben Burrows

England and Southgate’s confidence is borne out of the success at last year’s Euros and the surprising run to the World Cup semi-finals four years ago.

“I guess the biggest thing is the expectation levels and the satisfaction levels,” Southgate said of the difference to 2018. “In Russia, when we qualified from the group stage, we were probably more excited than we were this time.

“Although we enjoyed the win against Wales. You’ve got to enjoy your wins because, if you don’t enjoy those, then there’s not a lot of point being in this, frankly.

“And then, of course, everything was geared around first knockout win for 10 years, so that was almost our objective in Russia.

“We have to take a step at a time, the same thing. We talked about that from the beginning of the tournament. Our first objective was to qualify from the group. We knew we had three games to do that.

“There was an awful lot of noise after our second, but we stayed calm and on track, and we’ve qualified as well as anybody else has. But we’re now on to the more important part of the competition and we’ve got to get this bit right as well.”

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

13:25 , Ben Burrows

Gareth Southgate is embracing the increased expectations, selection headaches and chance to put smiles on supporters’ faces at a challenging time as England face Senegal in the World Cup last-16.

All eyes will be on cavernous Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday evening as the Group B winners play their first knockout match on the world stage since the agonising extra-time semi-final loss to Croatia in 2018.

England built on that performance by winning bronze at the following year’s Nations League before going on a memorable run to last year’s European Championship final at Wembley.

The heart-breaking penalty shootout defeat to Italy provides added motivation for Southgate’s players, who have the chance to lift the nation at what is a challenging time for so many.

“Part of the reason for doing the job is to bring happiness to others, frankly,” the England boss said. “Of course, we’ve got our own pride and we want to achieve professionally.

“But we have taken the country on two incredible journeys and you can feel that there’s the potential for another one and we want that to happen.

“We recognise the situation at home for everybody and we want to bring smiles to people’s faces as they get towards the end of this weekend.”

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

13:05 , Ben Burrows

When people occasionally talk about this being the deepest talent pool of English players in a generation or more, they are often talking about the attack. Other areas of Gareth Southgate’s squad are a little light on established and trusted quality behind the regular starters. There are players who cannot easily be replaced at left-back, in the centre of defence, in midfield and at centre-forward.

That is not the case in the wide attacking positions. Southgate has a number of options to choose from in the roles either side of Harry Kane, ranging from the experienced to the inexperienced, from the explosive goalscorers to the intricate playmakers, from those in their prime to those with untapped potential.

It is no coincidence that whenever there is a clamour for a certain player to start, they usually play in these positions. It happened with Jack Grealish at last year’s European Championship, then with Phil Foden during the group stages of this World Cup, and eyebrows will now be raised if Marcus Rashford loses his place after his excellent start in Qatar.

When selecting who plays wide in the attack, whatever the system, Southgate has tended to follow a simple rule of having a left-footed player on the right and a right-footed player on the left. Yet even that changed at the start of the second half against Wales though, with Foden and Rashford reverting to their natural sides, and this arguably helped turn a goalless stalemate into a comfortable 3-0 victory.

Ahead of Sunday’s last-16 tie against Senegal, Southgate arguably has the closest selection call that he has ever had to make at a major tournament, with five viable contenders to start but only two positions to fill. Each has fors and againsts, pros and cons, and different strengths and weaknesses that may or may not suit the task at hand in Sunday’s evening kick-off.

Gareth Southgate has his closest selection call yet for England against Senegal

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

12:44 , Ben Burrows

Jordan Henderson is harnessing the pain of England’s near misses in their winter quest for glory in Qatar, where the vice-captain’s sole focus is on Senegal rather than a potential clash with World Cup holders France.

Gareth Southgate’s men won Group B in Qatar, where the superb 6-2 shellacking of Iran and 3-0 win against neighbours Wales bookended the 0-0 stalemate with the United States.

The reward is Sunday’s last-16 clash with Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal at Al Bayt Stadium, where England hope to return for both the quarter-finals and semi-finals.

Many fans are already looking ahead to a last-eight date with France given they are expected to progress past Poland, but there is no chance of the team thinking like that.

“Well, I don’t think that will be a danger for us as a team because we know any World Cup game, whether group stage, qualifiers, knockout stages like we are in now, it will be really tough,” Henderson said.

“Different challenges, different players, it always will be really, really tough, especially against a team who are African champions and a very, very good team in their own right.

“Yes, we can say they’re missing Sadio Mane, who is a huge player for them and an amazing player for any team, really.

“But they’ve got into the knockout stages without him, and they will be feeling confident, feeling good and they are used to winning, so they will be a really, really dangerous side for us to play.

“If we want to progress we need to be at 100 per cent, like we were the other night and give absolutely everything and be really good with the ball but also really good without the ball.

“And, if we are, and the energy and intensity levels are right then we have a good chance of winning.”

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

12:23 , Ben Burrows

Harry Maguire dropped to the bench after Manchester United’s first two matches of the season and has only made limited appearances since then due to injury and competition for places.

But the 29-year-old defender has performed excellently in Qatar and is looking to score his first goal of the tournament in Sunday’s last-16 clash with Senegal.

“I don’t feel like a goal is going to close a chapter, I think playing well is going to close the chapter,” said Maguire, who scored in England’s quarter-finals wins at the 2018 World Cup and last year’s Euros.

“I’m in good form. I’m really happy with how the group stages has gone. Actually, in the last few games for Manchester United I’ve played well in them, won both my last two games against West Ham and Aston Villa.

“But I’ve just found myself out with a team due to the centre-backs there playing well and they’re excellent players.

“We have a good strength in depth in that central defence at my club, but I’m going to fight to get back into the team because I don’t like not playing.

“But, yeah, of course talking about goals, I’ve scored in 2018, I’ve scored in the Euros and they were both in the knockout stages.

“So, fingers crossed I can get one in in this World Cup and help the team win the game because that’s the most important thing.”

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

12:02 , Ben Burrows

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 has given Southgate a selection headache, with Phil Foden also pushing for another start against Senegal.

Here’s Miguel Delaney’s preview:

The problem with England’s greatest strength? Senegal also have it

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

11:35 , Ben Burrows

Harry Maguire has praised England’s Marcus Rashford for the way he has roared back to form and says his talented Manchester United team-mate has the potential to become one of the world’s best.

The 25-year-old ended the World Cup group stage as the competition’s joint top-scorer, having netted three goals in as many appearances as Gareth Southgate’s side topped Group B.

Rashford’s brilliant brace against Wales came after scoring straight off the bench against Iran - his first England appearance since missing his penalty in last year’s European Championship final shoot-out loss to Italy.

That heartache was compounded by sickening racist abuse, shoulder surgery and poor form at United, but he has looked revitalised since Erik ten Hag arrived in the summer and is back in the England set-up.

Put to club captain Maguire that his team-mate could cap his eye-catching turnaround with the Golden Boot, the centre-back told Talksport: “Yeah, that’d be the dream.

“I’d pray for that because that means that we’re probably going to go far in the tournament and give ourselves the best opportunity to win the tournament.

“I’m really pleased for Marcus. I think he has so much talent that I don’t think he’ll ever reach what his talent can get to because he’s so talented that he could be one of the best in the world and I think he’s got to push and strive for that.

“But at the moment, over the last year or so it’s not just Marcus at Manchester United. We had a difficult year as a group and it affects people as individuals.

“This year he is playing with a lot more freedom, he’s playing with a big smile on his face and, yeah, we speak about him getting back to his best and I’m sure he will do.

“I think you’ve seen in glimpses this year he’s becoming a lot more consistent with his goals and his assists, and he effects games. I think that’s the biggest thing with Marcus in the team, he effects games.

“He’s always a goal threat, he’s always having chances. When you look at the chances created in a game, a lot of the chances fall to Marcus and that’s down to his movement and his clever play.

“He’s a very talented boy and I’m really pleased that he’s back on track and I’m sure there’s much more to come from him.”

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

11:10 , Ben Burrows

Southgate spoke glowingly about Senegal, a side without star turn Sadio Mane through injury but buoyed by February’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph.

“Sadio is obviously an incredible player and every team would want to have him,” the England boss said. “But what we’ve seen from the team of Senegal, they’ve become very strong in his absence. And they have shown great spirit through losing him.

“So we know it doesn’t make a difference to the level of the fixture for tomorrow. We’ve got to be prepared for the game and we’ve got to be at our very best to be able to win the game.”

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

10:50 , Ben Burrows

Southgate said penalty takers would depend on who is on the pitch at the time at a World Cup where England have used a skills net to practice hitting the corners.

Technique and mindset are key in striking a spot-kick, as well as saving them.

Jordan Pickford saved a spot-kick against Colombia in Moscow in 2018 and Switzerland the following year, before saving two of Italy’s efforts last summer.

“There was Paul Cooper,” said Southgate, mentioning the former Ipswich shot-stopper when asked if has ever known anyone as good at saving penalties.

“We were watching his technique the other day - it was bizarre, looking back at it.

“He’s been exceptional in the shoot-outs we’ve had and that also gives you confidence.

“You know that he’s highly likely to save at least one, if not more. When your goalkeeper can do that, it’s a huge boost to the rest of the team.

“I don’t know if he is statistically better or worse than others, but he definitely has been excellent in the shoot-outs that we’ve had.”

Who are England’s best penalty takers?

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

10:33 , Ben Burrows

Gareth Southgate says his team are mentally and physically ready for another penalty shoot-out - and he would not hesitate to ask Marcus Rashford or Bukayo Saka to take a spot-kick at the World Cup.

The national team’s penalty problems down the years are well documented, with all three World Cup shoot-outs ending in defeat before a success at the expense of Colombia in Russia four years ago.

England followed that by winning bronze on spot-kicks at the Nations League finals against Switzerland in 2019, only for penalties to prove their undoing in last year’s European Championship final.

Jadon Sancho, Rashford and Saka failed with their attempts in a heart-breaking loss that Southgate is confident the team have learned from ahead of Sunday’s last-16 clash against Senegal.

“Well, like every other aspect of our game, we’re prepared and we’ve had a process that we’ve followed,” said the England boss, who missed his penalty in the Euro 96 semi-final defeat to Germany.

“We’ve had three shoot-outs, we’ve won two, so inevitably the one that you don’t get over the line you reflect and you think about how you can improve those processes.

“We’ve done that over the last few months, in particular, but of course, there is so many other aspects to the game that we’ve got to get right.

“We’re aiming to win the game and to avoid extra-time if you can, and to avoid penalties if you can, because you’d like to get a victory in 90 minutes.

“But if we need to go 120 minutes, if we need to go beyond that, then we’ve got to be ready for that mentally and physically. And I believe we are.”

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

10:15 , Ben Burrows

Defeat for England at this stage would be seen as a failure given the squad at Southgate’s disposal.

Having taken the nation to the semi-finals in Russia and the final of Euro 2020, he came under pressure for the first time during a winless run of six Nations League fixtures earlier this year.

Southgate’s contract runs to 2024 but he may decide - or the decision may be taken - that a last-16 exit here would spell the end of a successful tenure.

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