Gareth Southgate insists the “big business starts now” as England look forward to a World Cup showdown with African champions Senegal on Sunday.
Marcus Rashford’s double strike came either side of Phil Foden’s goal in the 3-0 triumph over Wales that sealed top spot in the group and sparked alcohol-free celebrations in Qatar, having toasted progress with a beer in Russia four years ago.
“We’ve got loads of milkshake back at the hotel,” boss Southgate said with a smile. “Everything is different, isn’t it? We’re embracing it. We love our base camp, the people that are operating the hotel are fabulous people. Really we couldn’t be happier.
“We’re enjoying each other’s company and the players are really tight, so to this point we’re very pleased. Of course the big business starts now.”
Foden did his chances of a greater role on Sunday no harm in Al Rayyan, but it was Rashford who made the greatest case to start against Senegal. The 25-year-old has three goals in as many games at this World Cup, with his goal off the bench against Iran coming on his first England appearance since missing his penalty in the Euro 2020 final shootout.
“It’s been a challenge for him,” said Southgate, who was unaware that the man-of-the-match’s friend Garfield Hayward, to whom Rashford dedicated his goals, had died in the build-up to the game. “I went and saw him in the summer, had a long chat with him and he had some clear ideas on things that he felt he needed to think about and to do.
“We’ve got a different version completely to the player we had in the Euros last summer. But great for him and because it’s great for him it’s great for us.”
Meanwhile, two-time winners Argentina and Euro 2020 semi-finalists Denmark have significant work to do to avoid early exits going into another crunch day of World Cup action. Poland, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Australia and Tunisia also retain ambitions of reaching the knockout stages as Groups C and D draw to conclusions, with reigning champions France the only nation to have sealed progression.
Lionel Messi has scored in each of his two appearances so far, but Argentina’s fate is in the balance going into a mouth-watering Group C finale. They must beat Poland to guarantee a place in round two, while a draw would be sufficient for Poland to progress.
Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard has challenged his players to secure a place in the history books by beating Mexico and sealing a spot in the knockout phase.
Group D is also wide open, with Australia, Denmark and Tunisia still in contention to join reigning champions France in going through. Victory for the Socceroos over Denmark would put them in the last 16 for the first time in 16 years, while a draw could also be enough.
Tunisia, who currently prop up the pool, have the most difficult task to avoid elimination and will hope the French already have their minds on future challenges.
For stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.
Find recommendations for eating out, attractions and events near you here on our sister website 2Chill
Find recommendations for dog owners and more doggy stories on our sister site Teamdogs
