LIVE BLOG: Fifa World Cup, Day 15 - England set up quarter-final date with France

Welcome to day 15 of the Qatar World Cup. IOL Sport will bring you all the live updates from the biggest sports event on the planet!

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FULL TIME: England 3, Senegal 0

Gareth Southgate’s England were impressive as they dispatched Senegal in their Last 16 clash on Sunday to set up a mouthwatering quarter-final clash against World Cup holders France.

Big.
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 4, 2022

HALF TIME: England 2, Senegal 0

England take a two-goal cushion into half time of their World Cup last 16 game against African champions Senegal thanks to goals by Jordan Henderson and captain Harry Kane, who scored his first of the tournament.

#ENG spring into action late in the first half!#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 4, 2022

NEXT UP: England v Senegal

Gareth Southgate recalled Bukayo Saka for England's World Cup last 16 clash with Senegal on Sunday as Marcus Rashford was dropped despite scoring twice against Wales.

Senegal will be without suspended Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye, so Leicester's Nampalys Mendy has been added to the team. Krepin Diatta has also been included in the starting line-up in place of Pape Gueye.

Coming up 🔜#ENG v #SEN #FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 4, 2022

FULL TIME: France 3, Poland 1

Kylian Mbappe was at his best as World Cup holders France beat Poland to advance to the quarter-finals of the World Cup, where they will meet either England or Senegal.

The defending champs march on to the Quarter Finals! 🇫🇷@adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 4, 2022

HALF TIME: France 1, Poland 0

Olivier Giroud put France 1-0 up in their World Cup last 16 clash against Poland on Sunday to become the country’s leading goalscorer of all time.

🇫🇷 Les Bleus' record scorer

🔝 What a moment. What a story. Congratulations @_OlivierGiroud_!@equipedefrance | #FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 4, 2022

NEXT UP: France v Poland

Hugo Lloris wins a record-equalling 142nd cap for France as he captains the holders in their World Cup last-16 clash with Poland at Doha's Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday.

Here are your starting XIs for #FRA and #POL

Let's get some score predictions ⬇️#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 4, 2022

5pm: France (Group D winners) vs Poland (Group C runners-up)

France, one of the tournament favourites, will return to full strength after resting many of their regulars in the defeat against Tunisia last week. In their opening two matches, the reigning World Cup champions were impressive against Australia and Denmark with superstar Kylian Mbappe at his best.

Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczensny was Poland's hero after his heroics helped the team make the last-16 round. He saved penalties (including one from Lionel Messi) in back-to-back matches. We have not yet seen the best of striker Robert Lewandowski and if he does strike top form, France will be hard-pressed to reach the quarter-finals.

France are big favourites against a Poland side that has failed to impress so far. Apart from the Lewandowski threat, Poland's attack is most times toothless. France’s defence may be in for a quiet afternoon, especially if their midfield imposes themselves.

Kylian Mbappe pulling out the fancy stuff in training 😅 #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/GBXPXy3nlL
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 4, 2022

Key Players:

France: Kylian Mbappe (forward), Olivier Giroud (striker), Aurelien Tchouameni (midfielder)

Poland: Wojciech Szczesny (goalkeeper), Jan Bednarek (centre back), Grzegorz Krychowiak (defensive midfielder)

Head To Head:

The teams have met 16 times, with France winning eight, Poland three and five ending in draws.

9pm: England (winners Group B) vs Senegal (runners-up Group A)

Harry Kane, the captain of the Three Lions, has not yet scored in Qatar. Great things are expected of him because he was Russia 2018's Golden Boot winner. Sunday’s outing against Senegal's Lions of Teranga could just be the platform to make his presence felt.

Everything points to an England win based on performances to date. However, if England fail to take their opportunities and the match is determined by a penalty shoot-out, they will be in trouble because of painful failures in the past.

The African champions are full of confidence, but they will need to keep an eye on resurgent England forward Marcus Rashford who has only started one game in the tournament but has scored three goals. He has become the first Manchester United player to score three goals in a major tournament for England since Sir Bobby Charlton at the 1966 World Cup.