Soccer
England's World Cup record against African opposition
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England head into the knockout rounds this evening looking to continue their World Cup journey in North America.
The opening 4-2 win over Croatia was, by and large, an impressive showing from Thomas Tuchel's side, and despite some difficulties against Ghana and in early peroids in the win over Panama, the Three Lions topped the group and set up a meeting with DR Congo in Atlanta.
So, how have they fared against African opposition at previous World Cups? DAZN runs the clock back and recalls the cross-continent meetings.
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Mexico 1986
England 0-0 Morocco
England's first meeting with African opposition came in Mexico, where they failed to break down a Morocco side and put their qualification in jeopardy.
Thankfully, Gary Lineker was on hand to save their skins with his hat-trick in the final group outing against Poland.
Italy 1990
England 1-0 Egypt
England 3-2 Cameroon
There were two African sides put up against England on route to their run to the semi-finals of Italia '90.
In the group stage, Mark Wright's header was enough to defeat Egypt and see Bobby Robson's men through to the knockout stage. Then, in the quarter-finals, they had to come from behind to beat surprise package Cameroon.
David Platt put them in front, before Gary Lineker showed nerves of steel with two penalties to continue their World Cup journey.
France 98
Tunisia 0-2 England
Glenn Hoddle's England opened their campaign at France '98 in the hot Marseille sun against Tunisia.
Despite the afternoon heat, Paul Scholes and Alan Shearer scored the goals, in a relatively comfortable win to get them underway at the World Cup.
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Japan/South Korea 2002
England 0-0 Nigeria
A pretty forgettable group stage goalless draw saw England earn the point that saw them progress into the knockout phase. However, the failure to beat the Eagles meant a second-place finish in the group and meant that they ended up facing Brazil in the quarter-finals...and we all know how that went.
South Africa 2010
Algeria 0-0 England
Another game you'd be hard-pressed to remember from England's 'Golden Generation'. In fact, it's probably best remembered for Wayne Rooney's rant at the cameras after the Three Lions were booed off the pitch.
The draw ultimately saw them finish second once again and book a meeting with Germany...and we all know how that went, too.
Russia 2018
Tunisia 1-2 England
Harry Kane's first meaningful moment on a World Cup stage came against African opposition with a brace to open their tournament in Russia.
The second of which came in stoppage time, sparking wild celebrations from the fans and the man in the waistcoat on the sidelines.
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Qatar 2022
Senegal 0-3 England
Four years ago in Qatar, the Three Lions made light work of Senegal in their Round of 16 match with a convincing performance against the Africans.
Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka were on the scoresheet as England won the battle of the Three Lions and Lions Teranga.
USA/Canada/Mexico 2026
England 0-0 Ghana
It's a second African opponent of this year's tournament for Thomas Tuchel after facing a stubborn Ghana side in the group phase.
England struggled to break down their low block, and the Black Stars were rewarded with a goalless draw that their defensive display deserved.
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