England fans have begun to gather for England’s crunch match against Senegal.
After sweeping aside Wales in the last group game, England fans have admitted nerves are running high at the prospect of proceeding into the quarter finals but expect the Three Lions to win.
Around 7,000 fans are expected at the Al Bayt stadium for Sunday’s clash while dozens of Senegal supporters staged a Sanbar dance, which is performed for good luck ahead of major events.
Hayden Smith, 27, from Essex and works in accounts, told the PA news agency: "I’m really nervous for the game, I want to get it done, get through to the quarters and beat France as well."
Adam Close, 29, from Newcastle, and Ben Fox, 29, from Leeds predicted an England win adding: “It’s not going to be a walk in the park but we should have too much for them."
“In international football you saw last night with the Netherlands that if you get an early goal in the first 10-15 minutes you’re killing the games off, you can control the possession.”
Friends Tom Egerton and Tom King, both 31 and from Winchester, were dressed in traditional robes as they sampled the atmosphere with other England fans at the Cabana Hop Garden, at Doha’s Radisson Blu Hotel.
England flags from Carlisle to Plymouth and beyond were draped around the venue with a big screen and music playing, including Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline and Rockin’ All Over The World by Status Quo.
Mr Egerton, who works in property, said: "Hopefully Southgate plays positive today and it should be a good game."
He added: "I reckon it’s going to be 2-1 England."
Mr King, who works in construction, said "it’s coming home" when asked about England and predicted a 3-1 win against Senegal.
Asked about their fashion choice, the pair said they had been inspired to wear the robes after seeing some other men wearing them at the Wales game.
Despite the confidence of some fans, the UK ambassador to Senegal said she expects a “tight game”.
Juliette John said that England and Senegal are united through their "passion for football".
"Senegal is about as football mad, if not more, than the UK is, so this is really the top thing on people’s minds here," Ms John said from Dakar, Senegal.
"Everyone has been watching the matches with bated breath here. In fact, some people are so intense about it, they can’t even watch the match."
As a self-professed football fan, she will be watching the match and hosting at her residence a small number of Senegalese and British Government representatives and friends.
"Obviously it will be a national tragedy if England beat Senegal, and vice versa, but I think generally the atmosphere is very positive."
She added: "I think it will be very tight. The Senegalese team is very strong defensively, the English team are very strong in attacking midfield.
"It will be interesting to see what both teams do, their tactics and who they put on the pitch.
"Obviously I want to say that England’s going to win, but I think it’s going to be an interesting match regardless.
