ENGLAND are purring along nicely as they head into the last 16 of the World Cup but now face Africa’s finest in Senegal.
The Three Lions topped Group B after comfortably beating Wales 3-0 on Tuesday evening and are the joint-highest goalscorers in the tournament so far.
Marcus Rashford grabbed himself a brace and Phil Foden scored the other on a glorious night for manager Gareth Southgate.
But now Southgate’s side must focus on the knockout stages, where they’ll face AFCON 2022 champions Senegal.
The Lions of Teranga came second in Group A, which also contained Holland, Qatar and Ecuador.
Senegal had to beat Ecuador in their final group game and they did so thanks to Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly’s late winner.
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How did they get here?
England began their campaign in thrilling fashion as they thrashed Iran 6-2, with young Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka picking up two goals.
After a disappointing draw with the USA, the Three Lions secured top spot in the group after beating rivals Wales 3-0, leaving the Dragons to finish bottom of the group.
Senegal had a harder start to life in Qatar, losing their opener to Netherlands due to two late goals.
However wins over hosts Qatar as well as a tight fought battle with Ecuador meant that Senegal had qualified for the Round of 16 for the first time since 2002.
Team news
England are set to have a fully fit squad for their last-16 match-up with Senegal, barring Ben White’s early return home.
Southgate, however, may decide to hand Marcus Rashford a start following his brilliant performance in the win over Wales.
Foden also impressed, but Bukayo Saka could come back into the side, as could Mason Mount, who dropped to the bench in favour of Jordan Henderson on Tuesday night.
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Kieran Tripper may also come back into the XI alongside Kyle Walker, but that would most likely see England’s system change from a 4-3-3 to one that favours five at the back.
Senegal will also have a mostly fit squad butkey man Sadio Mane will be OUT of the game, having been ruled out the tournament with a knee inury.
Who will be the star men?
Southgate will have a selection headache after standout performances from many of his players so far.
But Harry Maguire has been one of the surprise packages this tournament, being a rock of stability at the back as well as a potential goal threat from set pieces.
Maguire’s Manchester United team-mate Rashford has also shone, netting three times whilst sitting joint first in the race for the Golden Boot.
But he will face tough competition for his spot with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden also on great form.
Ismaila Sarr has seemed to fill the void of Sadio Mane for the Senegalese team, looking like a constant threat up top as well as scoring a cheeky no-look penalty against Ecuador.
Chelsea duo Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly will also be looking to keep out the goals as they hope to advance to the quarter-finals.
What is the head to head?
This will be the first meeting between the two sides.
England will be looking to continue their unbeaten streak against African nations at the World Cup which has seen them win six and draw three.
SunSport Prediction
England 2 Senegal 1
When is England vs Senegal?
- England’s World Cup last-16 clash with Senegal will take place on Sunday, December 4.
- The match will get underway from 7pm UK time.
- England vs Senegal will be held at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar.
- The stadium holds just under 70,000 fans and played host to England’s 0-0 draw with USA.
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What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
- England vs Senegal will be shown live on ITV 1 in the UK.
- You can live stream the action from the ITV X app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
- Coverage of the game will get going from 6pm GMT.
Can I watch for FREE?
- Yes, you can watch England vs Senegal for FREE, so long as you have a TV licence.
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Odds
- England – 8/15
- Draw – 29/10
- Senegal – 13/2
- England to qualify – 1/5
- Senegal to qualify – 10/3
*Odds courtesy of Betfair and correct at time of publication.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
