Even before Sunday’s night’s last-16 tie against Senegal, England fans will be forgiven for having a cursory glance ahead at who they would face in a potential quarter-final and beyond as they dream of ultimate World Cup glory.
Not since 1966 have England managed to win world football’s biggest prize, but they have progressed to the semi-finals on two further occasions - in Italia ‘90 when they lost on penalties to West Germany and most recently in Russia four years ago when they lost 2-1 to Croatia after extra-time.
This time around they’ve sailed into the knockout stages, comfortably beating Iran and Wales and drawing 0-0 against fellow knockout qualifiers USA to finish top of Group B. Their reward for that is Sunday’s second-round clash with Senegal who, despite being the current holders of the Africa Cup of Nations, will start as underdogs against Gareth Southgate’s side.
