For the eighth time ever, England will be facing an African team in the World Cup as they square up against African champions, Senegal at the Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor where Qatar 2022 kicked off.
In the past editions where England faced African teams like Nigeria, Cameroon, none was able to overcome the England sides which also had been underperforming at the World Cup since their solatary win at home in 1966.
In encounters with African sides, England had won four times and drew three – all of which ended goalless.
But a clash with Senegal offers a different dimension. It is the first ever clash of both countries.
Unlike other African countries that were unable to beat England, Senegal have had a fairly good run against European teams.In six encounters, Senegal won three, drew one and lost two.
Such statistics raise the possibility of Senegal overcoming England for a place in the quarter-finals.
Besides, it won’t be the first time England will be losing a Round of 16 match having lost at least twice in seven instances.
In fact, four years ago, England barely scrapped through by penalty shootout in encounter with Colombia.
Their only previous knockout game against an African team was a 3-2 extra-time quarter-final victory against Cameroon in 1990.