Gareth Southgate is taking on board the increased expectations and selection headaches at a challenging time as England face Senegal in the World Cup last 16 tonight (Sunday, Dec 4).
The Al Bayt Stadium will host as the Group B winners play their first knockout match on the world stage since their 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 agonising penalty shootout defeat to Italy provides added motivation for Southgate’s players, who have the chance to lift the nation at a challenging time. “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.
