Gareth Southgate is embracing the increased expectations, selection headaches and chance to put smiles on supporters' faces at a challenging time as England face Senegal in the World Cup last-16.
Four years ago Africa was left without a representative in the World Cup last 16 for the first time since the round was introduced in 1986, but the response has been emphatic in Qatar.
Senegal will fear none of the England players they face in the last 16 of the World Cup, according to former Liverpool and Bolton striker El Hadji Diouf.
Senegal coach Aliou Cisse knows his side must be prepared for a totally different type of football after securing their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Ecuador.
Senegal Coach Aliou Cissé assured supporters they will not repeat the mistakes they made in the 2018 FIFA World Cup when they lost 1-0 against Columbia, which led to their elimination before the knockouts.
SABC Sport previews the next FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 fixture between Ecuador and Senegal, which will be broadcast live on SABC Sport Channels, SABC Radio Stations and sabcsport.com.