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DOHA, Qatar (AP) — For a nation that has often flattered to deceive at soccer’s main tournaments, a card sport that depends on the artwork of deception is strengthening the bond amongst England’s gamers forward of their match in opposition to Senegal within the World Cup spherical of 16.
Werewolf, a sport of roleplay and deduction, has grow to be a preferred pastime for the squad between video games.
“It’s about being the perfect liar,” stated midfielder Declan Rice. “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 plenty of teamwork, ganging up.”
No matter England is doing at its base in Qatar, it’s working up to now.
It performs Senegal on Sunday after topping Group B and tying Spain as main scorers within the event up to now with 9 targets.
No different staff picked up greater than the seven factors England recorded on its method to the knockout spherical and it is just 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 flawed finish of upsets.
And to suppose England’s 0-0 draw with the US was thought-about sufficient of a shock that it prompted loud jeers from Three Lions followers after that match final week.
“I believe it’s all the time tough whenever you see huge groups or huge gamers in groups that don’t have the success that you really want or don’t stay as much as the expectation of a nation or the place they see themselves,” stated defender John Stones. “We don’t ever wish to fall into that class. I believe that’s nice motivation for us as a reminder — you by no means wish to take something as a right or who you might be enjoying in opposition to.”
England could also be thought-about a serious soccer nation, however its solely event success got here when it hosted and received the World Cup in 1966.
The years since have been pitted with disappointment and underachievement.
There was an upturn beneath Southgate, who led the staff to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Russia in 2018 and to the ultimate of final yr’s European Championship, which it misplaced on penalties to Italy.
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 deal the strain of taking penalties to even probably the most minor particulars.
At a staff assembly this week, gamers have been reminded about leaving their socks out the “proper approach” for the kitmen to gather after coaching.
“We get on one another for issues like that as a result of we have now created these requirements,” stated Stones. “Should you begin getting sloppy with the little issues, the larger issues begin to get sloppy very simply. Anyone % or two % of issues that we will do to get higher … clearly these are small issues, however they matter to us.”
So there needs to be no hazard of England taking Senegal calmly.
The African Cup of Nations winner completed second in Group A behind the Netherlands. That was regardless of struggling the pre-tournament disappointment of star striker Sadio Mane being dominated out.
“They’re knockout video games now: for those who win, you get to remain right here; for those who lose, you go residence,” stated Senegal coach Aliou Cissé. “There’s no have to overthink issues, each staff is on the similar stage.
“Our squad is skilled at this time, they’ve gone by way of loads collectively they usually know easy methods to put together for such a sport now, in competitions like this one,” he added.
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James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
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AP World Cup protection: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
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