Former Liverpool striker El Hadji Diouf insists Senegal can beat England in their World Cup round 16 clash.

Diouf, 41, is now a special advisor to the Lions of Teranga, who face Gareth Southgate's side at the Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday.

And when asked about any weaknesses he feels the England team may have, given his experience of playing on our shores, Diouf brought up Gerrard once again, referencing his relationship with fellow midfielder Frank Lampard.

Diouf said: “My time in English football was different because (now) they all copy, the national team as well, Pep Guardiola and Man City.

“They play the same way, they want to have the ball and score a lot of goals and play tiki-taka football.

“Players can do it as well, they have a good team and a very good team spirit as well.

“It's not like Stevie G and (Frank) Lampard time - the two of them, they don't like each other.

“It's about team spirit and Gareth Southgate did a great job."

Diouf joined Liverpool in 2002 off the back of his success with Senegal at the 2002 World Cup.

They beat reigning champions France in their opener and went all the way to the quarter-final, losing to a golden goal against Turkey.

And Diouf feels if Gareth Southgate's side underestimate Senegal like the French did 20 years ago, then Aliou Cisse's side could pull off a shock.

He said: “It reminds me of when we played against France. They thought they'd won the game before they played it. If England do the same thing on Sunday, this is good for us.

“I know we are not the favourite but we are going to do everything to beat them and the players can do it."