England boss Southgate warns 'proud' Senegal pose serious World Cup threat

Gareth Southgate insists England's status as favourites in their World Cup last 16 clash with Senegal means nothing because the African champions will pose a serious threat to his team.

Southgate's side are regarded as title contenders in Qatar after reaching the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and finishing as Euro 2020 runners-up.

England are expected to see off Senegal at the Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday, but Southgate has no intention of underestimating Aliou Cisse's men.

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"We have been very impressed with Senegal. We know they are African champions and are very proud and have great spirit and belief in their team," Southgate told reporters on Saturday.

"They have some excellent individual players who can cause problems, but a good structure as well.

"We will be considered the favourites and Senegal the underdogs but that doesn't really mean anything in a one-off game."

Despite the absence of injured Bayern Munich forward Sadio Mane, Senegal have won as many games as England in the tournament, with both teams earning two victories in the group stage.

Senegal are also fresh from winning their maiden African Cup of Nations crown last year.

"Sadio is an incredible player and every team would want to have him but Senegal have become very strong in his absence," Southgate said.

"They have shown great spirit through losing him. We have got to be at our very best to win the game. Cisse has done a fantastic job. We know the size of the job ahead of us."

'Expectation levels'

After coming close to silverware at the last two major tournaments, England are hoping to take the final step in Doha.

Southgate believes the experience his players gained during those runs to the latter stages will stand them in good stead as they chase