Royals centre-half speaks as Lions of Teranga prepare for England showdown
With the Last 16 of the FIFA World Cup kicking off this weekend, there is even greater interest in one clash than there normally would be.
England were not the only side to secure their spot in the knockout stages of Qatar 2022 on Tuesday, with a hard-fought win for Senegal over Ecuador setting up the countries' first ever meeting in senior international football when they meet at Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday 4 December, kick off 7pm, live on ITV1.
With Mamadou Loum away with the Lions of Teranga, Royals defender Naby Sarr spoke to BBC South about what it means to be coming up against the Three Lions.
“I was happy to be honest, I was not expecting a team of a lesser standard than England”, said Sarr, who whilst born in France has previously been called up to the Senegalese squad due to his father's Senegalese heritage.
“If you get through the group stage then there is only going to be big teams so hopefully they go for it, he continued.
“Obviously as we play in England I was happy to see Senegal get them - most of the players and staff here are English, and then you’ve got me, Amadou and Mamadou who is out there, from Senegal.”
Whilst Paul Ince’s side were away in Tenerife last week, Sarr revealed they had been in touch with Loum and spoke of how much his compatriot is relishing the experience.
The West African nation won the Africa Cup of Nations in February - a tournament Loum was also apart of - and Sarr has enjoyed seeing his nation flourish on the international stage.
“We have been calling him whilst we were in Tenerife, and he is doing great and really enjoying the experience, he hasn’t had the chance to get some minutes yet but just to be a part of the group is something big.
“Especially with what they are doing out there, it is very big and he is enjoying every moment of it.
“It has been crazy, especially after the Africa Cup of Nations win and now we are through to the knockouts of the World Cup, it is something big not just for Senegal but for Africa.
“For an African team to have their say in a big competition like this is great and the support from the Senegalese people is unbelievable - from the ones out there in the stadiums to everyone watching from home, it is incredible”.
Aliou Cisse’s side beat hosts Qatar as well as Ecuador to earn progression from Group A and despite missing talisman Sadio Mane, following an injury picked up on the eve of the Finals, the team have made the knockouts for only the second time.
In his absence, Sarr believes the side have risen to the occasion but despite the challenge of England he says the squad is well experienced on the big stage and looks forward to seeing how they will perform against Gareth Southgate's men.
“Obviously Sadio Mane is not there and he is a big miss, especially in the final third because you need a special player to create something for you to win the game.
"But, I think the lads have done great without him. And I think that has given them an extra strength - because you know your leader is not here, you are going to work twice as hard for him to make him proud…because you know he will be watching.
“This has given extra motivation to everyone who is out there, and I think Senegal play like they can beat everyone and play freely but with intensity.
“Most of the players in the Senegal squad play in leagues in Europe - in France, Spain and England for example, so I think they are used to this type of game.
“In my opinion, I think it won’t be an easy game - but it should be a better game than against Ecuador! England is a team that will play a little bit more football, which will suit Senegal.
“To win would be unbelievable because we haven’t been in a quarter-final since 2002, so it would be matching the best we have ever done at a World Cup.
“To achieve that, having beaten England, who are one of the favourites for this tournament, would mean something big and show the impact African teams can have. But everybody knows England are the favourites.
“However, I have told everyone if we beat England, I am going to come into the training ground in a Senegal shirt!”