At exactly 21:00 hours, Africa’s only remaining hope Lions of Teranga will face Englands three lions in Qatar at the FIFA world Cup 2022.
England have never lost to an African team, a statistic that has been cited frequently in the buildup.
However, Africans today are much different from previous- they have more excellent talent playing in powerful european clubs.
According to a BBC columnist, Jermaine Jenas, Senegal has nothing to lose against England tonight.
Senegal have some very talented players but the biggest weapon the African champions will have against England on Sunday is their mindset.
Whatever happens to them in this tournament now, they will still be celebrated, so they go into this last-16 tie with no fear of failure whatsoever – the pressure is all on England.
To win things, you need that team ethic – you have to become an organised side is that is less reliant on one superstar and more reliant on the group.
Senegal have clearly done that. Yes, they would be stronger if Bayern Munich’s former Liverpool star Sadio Mane had been fit to play in Qatar, and Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye’s suspension for this game is a blow to them, but they have got players who can step up.
Look down the spine of their team, starting with Eduoard Mendy in goal and his Chelsea team-mate Kalidou Koulibaly at the heart of their defence, and they have got quality and experience.
I still think England will dominate the game, and have a lot more possession, but I see Senegal as a much bigger threat than anyone we have faced so far at this tournament.
England have to focus on themselves and remember they put in a really positive performance against Wales. One of the things Senegal will definitely be talking about is how to stop all of our talented players, and Gareth Southgate has to keep this momentum going.
