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Football London
Football London
Sport
Tom Coley

England learn potential World Cup quarter-final opponents ahead of Senegal clash

England will face France in the World Cup quarter-finals if they progress past Senegal this evening. Gareth Southgate's side face a last-16 knockout tie against Aliou Cisse's African Cup of Nations winners on Sunday evening but face a tough test to get further if they do get through.

The Three Lions topped their group after beating Wales and Iran either side of a 0-0 draw against USA and ended with the best record of any side in the tournament. They're looking to keep up a brilliant major tournament set of results under Southgate that has seen them reach the final of Euro 2020 and the semi-finals of Russia 2018 four years ago.

Southgate is yet to lose a knockout tie inside normal time having gone out in extra time against Croatia in 2018 and lost out to Italy on penalties at the Euros. World champions France lay in wait for the winners of England vs Senegal though after Didier Deschamps' side beat Poland 3-1.

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Despite a close first half in which Robert Lewandowski's inspired side tested Hugo Lloris on several occasions, Olivier Giroud gave Les Bleus the lead just before the break. His 52nd France goal took him past Thierry Henry to the top of the all-time scoring charts for his country.

The lead was doubled after half-time when Kylian Mbappe was afforded too much time in the box, striking his right-footed shot high into the net to seal the game. The Paris Saint-Germain star then fired in a third to round things off in style with a stunning finish into the top corner.

Robert Lewandowski did grab a late goal from the spot, only after a retake. It was far too little and far too late for Poland though.

France have a host of injuries but remain strong in Qatar.

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Who could England play in the World Cup quarter-finals if they beat Senegal?

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