England gamers prepare forward of their FIFA World Cup Spherical of 16 conflict towards Senegal. AP
Doha: A card recreation that depends on deception is strengthening the bond amongst England’s gamers forward of their match towards Senegal within the spherical of 16 on the World Cup.
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Werewolf, a recreation of roleplay and deduction, has grow to be a well-liked pastime for the squad between matches in Qatar.
“It’s about being the perfect liar,” England midfielder Declan Rice mentioned. “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 may be loads of teamwork, ganging up.”
No matter England is doing at its base in Al Wakrah, it’s working thus far.
The crew performs Senegal on Sunday after topping Group B and tying Spain as main scorers within the match with 9 objectives. No different crew picked up greater than the seven factors England recorded on its solution to the knockout spherical and it’s only one among 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 have been high-profile departures from the group stage, whereas defending champion France, together with Argentina, Spain, Brazil and Portugal, have all been on the mistaken finish of upsets.
And to suppose England’s 0-0 draw with america was thought-about sufficient of a shock that it prompted loud jeers from the followers.
“I feel it’s at all times tough whenever you see huge groups or huge gamers in groups that don’t have the success that you really want or don’t reside as much as the expectation of a nation or the place they see themselves,” England defender John Stones mentioned. “We don’t ever need to fall into that class. I feel that’s nice motivation for us as a reminder — you by no means need to take something with no consideration or who you might be taking part in towards.”
England could also be thought-about a serious soccer nation, however its solely match success got here when it hosted and gained the World Cup in 1966. The years since have been pitted with disappointment and underachievement.
There was an upturn beneath Southgate, who led the crew to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Russia in 2018 and to the ultimate of final yr’s European Championship, shedding to Italy on penalties.
The bond he has developed among the many gamers is seen as a key think about England’s enchancment.
Southgate can be meticulous about his planning, from psychological assist to take care of the strain of taking penalties to even probably the most minor particulars. At a crew assembly this week, gamers have been reminded about leaving their socks out the “proper approach” for the gear supervisor to gather after coaching.
“We get on one another for issues like that as a result of now we have created these requirements,” Stones mentioned. “If you happen to begin getting sloppy with the little issues, the larger issues begin to get sloppy very simply. Any 1 per cent or 2 per cent 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 evenly.
The African Cup of Nations champions completed second in Group A behind the Netherlands. That was regardless of the pre-tournament disappointment of shedding striker Sadio Mane due to an damage.
Senegal coach Aliou Cisse was unable to attend a information convention Saturday due to sickness and in addition missed crew coaching on Friday. However he’s planning to be on the match on Sunday at Al Bayt Stadium.
“He’s been sick for a few days now and he allow us to take cost of coaching yesterday together with his directions,” Senegal assistant coach Regis Bogaert mentioned Saturday. “Hopefully tomorrow he’ll have the ability to be on the bench. We’re certain that at 10 pm he might be there with the crew, for certain.”
In 2002, Senegal beat defending champion France on the World Cup, with Cisse the captain of that crew.
There have been extra surprises involving African groups at this match.
“We’ve seen Cameroon can beat Brazil and Tunisia can beat France so we all know Senegal can beat England,” Bogaert mentioned. “That’s what we’re aiming for. That’s an essential message.”
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