Sports Mole previews Sunday’s World Cup clash between England and Senegal, including predictions, team news and possible line-ups.
In the battle for a place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, England and Senegal, rivals in the round of 16, meet at the Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday.
After Gareth Southgate’s side topped Group B by beating Wales, a first meeting between the nations sees the Three Lions take on the Lions of Teranga, who advanced to the knockout rounds thanks to an intervention crucial of his captain.
Match preview
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Defying their doubters yet again, England’s second half in Tuesday’s final group game saw them not only knock out their Welsh neighbors but also reach the last 16 of Qatar 2022 as winners of group B.
They struck twice in 98 seconds at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, with Marcus Rashford breaking the deadlock with a free-kick in the 50th minute, before Phil Foden scored the second soon after. A rejuvenated Rashford later added the finishing touch with a third – his nation’s 100th World Cup goal.
After an uninspiring performance in their draw with the United States just days earlier, the Three Lions looked more like the team that mercilessly tore apart Iran in their opening match, and that attacking intent has confirmed his credentials to match the last races in the grand finals. .
Under oft-maligned manager Gareth Southgate, they ventured into the final four of the World Cup in 2018 before falling short at home at Euros last year, so they certainly have a track record for to support hopes of claiming a first world title since the glory days. of 1966.
Now set to face Group A runners-up Senegal in Al Khor, England are unbeaten in 20 games against African opposition so far, so Southgate’s current crop start as favorites to progress sunday
Their quest for an elusive second World Cup began after a terrible run of results until 2022, which saw them relegated from the top tier of the UEFA Nations League, but a return to form Manchester United pair Rashford and Harry Maguire have played their part in boosting their campaign in Qatar.
Despite their near-misses, England have also built up a lot of experience in the tournament over the past few years, so they will surely go into their round of 16 clash full of confidence as well.
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Senegal should not be short of that most precious commodity either, as they arrived in the Middle East as African champions and have since negotiated safe passage to the knockout stages for only the second time.
Beating Ecuador in a winner-takes-all contest, they were indebted to captain Kalidou Koulibaly for his 70th-minute winner at the Khalifa International Stadium on Tuesday.
The centre-back’s controlled volley was needed after Ismaila Sarr’s first-half penalty was equalized by their South American rivals, but Aliou Cisse’s side eventually backed up victory over Qatar. This latest result came after a disappointing loss to the Netherlands in their opening match.
Cisse, supported by assistant El Hadji Diouf, another hero of Senegal’s legendary 2002 campaign, now aims to take his nation to the quarter-finals, dismantling a talented England side and perhaps setting up a emotional match with France, whom they killed. the opening match of the final 20 years ago.
The former Birmingham City midfielder may be without star Sadio Mane in Qatar, but since his appointment in 2015 he has nurtured an energetic and tactically aware squad, most of which lifted a first Africa Cup of Nations trophy of Nations after winning the final on penalty kicks. February.
Although African teams have lost eight of their nine World Cup qualifiers against European opposition so far – the only exception being Senegal’s win over Sweden – if it comes down to shots, the Lions of Teranga could have a distinct advantage over their English counterparts, who have so often seen shootings result in painful failure.
England’s World Cup form:
England form (all competitions):
Senegal’s World Cup form:
Senegal form (all competitions):
Team news
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While Gareth Southgate inevitably enjoyed having Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford repay his faith, all of whom featured in the starting XI against Wales, their success presents the head coach with ‘England a dilemma to solve.
Not only will Kieran Trippier, Bukayo Saka and long-time favorite Raheem Sterling consider returning to the lineup on Sunday, but there is still the possibility of switching from a back quarter to a flexible back three.
Either way, Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham, who became the second-youngest English player to reach 20 appearances last season, should join Declan Rice and Henderson in a trio central and midfield. Both Kalvin Phillips and James Maddison are still not fully fit.
Captain Harry Kane, the Russia 2018 Golden Boot winner, is still looking for his first goal in this year’s finals and will once again lead the Three Lions up front.
Meanwhile, Senegal must try to reach the last 16 not only without injured talisman Sadio Mane, but also their former Merseyside rivals Everton’s Idrissa Gueye.
The midfield workhorse is suspended after receiving a second booking from the final against Ecuador, while Cheikhou Kouyate picked up an ankle injury in his first game and has since been ruled out of training. Therefore, Leicester City’s Nampalys Mendy should replace.
In Mane’s glaring absence, Watford winger Ismaila Sarr and Sheffield United’s Iliman Ndiaye have stepped up, Famara Diedhiou and Krepin Diatta are also candidates to feature on Sunday, with Salernitana striker Boulaye Dia as the main goal threat.
Chelsea pair Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly are stalwarts of the Senegalese defence, which will remain unchanged by manager Aliou Cisse.
England possible starting line-up: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Henderson, Bellingham; Rashford, Kane, Foden
Senegal possible starting line-up: E. Mendy; Sabaly, Koulibaly, Diallo, Jacobs; P. Gueye, N. Mendy, Ciss; Ndiaye, Dia, Sarr
We say: England 2-0 Senegal
Having conceded at least once in all three games so far, Senegal are ill-equipped to survive an onslaught from England’s exuberant front line, provided Southgate’s side are at their full potential.
Although well organized and a clear threat on the break, the absence of all-round players could see Africa’s best team kill the Three Lions in Al Khor.
For data analysis of the most likely results, results and more of this match, click here.
Superior Council
Our expert reporting partners at Sporita.com predict a home win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more tried and tested football tips. Home Win:data ID:501124:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect16798:
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