Remembering the euphoria from England's last knockout game in World Cup - and the love for the two Jordans
‘We went in as underdogs but look at us – we have not lost a game’
It’s four years since England battled their way to a World Cup knockout win against Senegal and Sunderland people had their say - mainly about the Three Lions two home grown stars.
Jordan Pickford and Jordan Henderson starred in a 3-0 win in the unusually timed game. Christmas was approaching as we were all glued to our TV screens to watch the World Cup in Qatar.
The Sunderland Echo went out on to the streets to gauge the views of fans as a quarter final encounter with France loomed.
Chris Leng, from Fulwell, watched every game and was impressed with England and both Jordans: “I think we have got a really good chance,” he said.
"Gareth Southgate has done really well–his team selections have been spot-on, his substitutions have been spot-on.
"It was great to see Henderson get a goal – that is something that Sunderland can say that Newcastle can’t,” said Chris,42.
“We have got a born-and bred Sunderland fan scoring for England. And it has been nice to see Pickford playing so well every game.”
Twenty-four-year-old Jack Croucher, from Red House, was impressed by what he had seen so far from England’s blend of youth and experience: “Bellingham has been the stand-out for me, what a player he is,” he said in 2022.
“And as for Henderson and Pickford –well, they are from Sunderland. It’s just what you expect, ” he said.
Jack added: “I think we have got a chance. We went in as underdogs but look at us – we have not lost a game.”
Pal Pete Knox, from Newcastle was less effusive about the former Black Cats’ performance, but did think England had a real shout with some of the pre-tournament favourites biting the dust at the group stage.
" I think England definitely have a chance,” said Pete,25. "I would say Germany and Belgium getting knocked out is a big thing.”
Sixty-four-year-old Steve Clifton was full of praise for both Henderson and Pickford but reckoned England would come unstuck against France.
"Pickford has sometimes been criticised because he gets himself too wound up but he has never let England down,” he said." And he kept us in the game last night.
"Henderson drove the team forward– his work rate is second to none and his leadership is just fantastic.
"But the team that is going to win it is France – Mbappe and Dembele are out of this world.”
Keith Rackstraw, from Grangetown, also thought England would face an uphill battle and defence would be the key.
Share your best memories of following England in the World Cup by emailing [email protected]