For a nation that has steadily flattered to deceive at soccer’s main tournaments, a card recreation that depends on the artwork of deception is strengthening the bond amongst England’s gamers forward of their match towards Senegal within the World Cup spherical of 16.
Werewolf, a recreation of roleplay and deduction, has change into a well-liked pastime for the squad between video games.
“It’s about being the most effective liar,” mentioned midfielder Declan Rice. “The villagers have gotten to snuff out the wolves and the wolves have gotten to lie and inform everybody why they aren’t a wolf. There’s quite a lot of teamwork, ganging up.”
No matter England is doing at its base in Qatar, it’s working to date. It performs Senegal on Sunday after topping Group B and tying Spain as main scorers within the match to date with 9 targets.
No different group picked up greater than the seven factors England recorded on its method to the knockout spherical and it’s only considered one of three nonetheless undefeated. But the message from coach Gareth Southgate and captain Harry Kane this week has been about sustaining focus and requirements.
Belgium and Germany had been high-profile departures from the group stage, whereas defending champion France, together with Argentina, Spain, Brazil and Portugal have all been on the incorrect finish of upsets. And to assume England’s 0-0 draw with the US was thought of sufficient of a shock that it prompted loud jeers from Three Lions followers after that match final week.
“I feel it’s at all times troublesome while you see large groups or large gamers in groups that don’t have the success that you really want or don’t stay as much as the expectation of a nation or the place they see themselves,” mentioned defender John Stones. “We don’t ever wish to fall into that class. I feel that’s nice motivation for us as a reminder — you by no means wish to take something with no consideration or who you might be enjoying towards.”
England could also be thought of a significant soccer nation, however its solely match success got here when it hosted and received the World Cup in 1966. The years since have been pitted with disappointment and underachievement.
There was an upturn below Southgate, who led the group to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Russia in 2018 and to the ultimate of final yr’s European Championship, which it misplaced on penalties to Italy. The bond he has developed among the many gamers is seen as a key consider England’s enchancment.
Southgate can also be meticulous about his planning, from psychological assist to deal the stress of taking penalties to even probably the most minor particulars. At a group assembly this week, gamers had been reminded about leaving their socks out the “proper means” for the kitmen to gather after coaching.
“We get on one another for issues like that as a result of we’ve got created these requirements,” mentioned Stones. “When you begin getting sloppy with the little issues, the larger issues begin to get sloppy very simply. Anybody % or two % of issues that we will do to get higher … clearly these are small issues, however they matter to us.”
So there must be no hazard of England taking Senegal calmly. The African Cup of Nations winner completed second in Group A behind the Netherlands. That was regardless of struggling the pre-tournament disappointment of star striker Sadio Mane being dominated out.
“They’re knockout video games now: if you happen to win, you get to remain right here; if you happen to lose, you go dwelling,” mentioned Senegal coach Aliou Cissé. “There’s no must overthink issues, each group is on the identical degree.
“Our squad is skilled at this time, they’ve gone by so much collectively they usually know the way to put together for one of these recreation now, in competitions like this one,” he added.