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England eyeing Quarter Finals place with Senegal standing in the way
England to win 2-0
Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2022 | Venue: Al Khor, Al Bayt Stadium
Bet NowWhile Senegal are not one of the biggest nations at this World Cup, they will be an opponent that England will not take lightly. They simply cannot afford to.
England have reached the Round of 16 in some style, beating Iran and Wales by comfortable margins, while being held in their other game by the USA.
If they are to go deep in this tournament, replicating their fourth-placed finish at the 2018 World Cup perhaps, they’ll need to plot a course through Senegal, probably France, and then either Spain or Portugal.
Senegal recovered well from an opening game defeat against the Netherlands to qualify in 2nd place in Group A. Two wins from their remaining games saw them claim six points, and they played with some style too.
Now, they enter this game as underdogs, which will undoubtedly suit them. Much was made of Sadio Mane being injured, but they have coped without their star striker admirably.
FIFA Ranking: 5
Predicted Finish: Semi Finals
Reasons to be cheerful:
Joint-top scorers in the Group Stage with nine
Yet to lose in 20 matches against African opposition
Reasons to be fearful:
Kane’s form will be a worry despite goals from elsewhere
Defence will be tested more here than in Group Stage
Gareth Southgate’s men have that look about them once again. It’s the look that has accompanied them to the Semi Finals of the World Cup in 2018 and the Final of Euro 2020. They can smell success.
That’s not to say that they’ll have this game their own way. Senegal have impressed, certainly in their second and third matches, with an energetic and passionate display, from players and travelling supporters alike.
England must find a way to match their energy in midfield. Jude Bellingham is certain to start once more, as is Declan Rice. Jordan Henderson, fresh from a good performance against Wales, should also get the nod.
Further forward, Harry Kane’s malaise in front of goal continues, although at least England don’t rely on him quite as much these days, with goalscorers coming from all over the pitch.
Southgate’s main challenge will be in selecting his wide players, at the back and front. While Walker, Shaw, Rashford and Foden played against Wales, Trippier, Sterling and Saka could easily come in here.
Star Man – Marcus Rashford
With Harry Kane not among the goals so far at this tournament, Rashford has helped pick up the mantle. With three goals, he is the joint-top scorer at this tournament and looks as sharp as he ever has.
FIFA Ranking: 18
Predicted Finish: Round of 16
Reasons to be cheerful
Will have taken confidence from qualifying for the last 16
Can frighten England with their pace and energy
Reasons to be fearful
African teams have lost eight out of nine knockout matches against Europeans
Idrissa Gueye is suspended here after two yellow cards
Senegal will enjoy their label as underdogs coming into this game.
As they are not one of the elite teams at this World Cup, very little has been expected of them since day one. They have surprised one or two people along the way, and will aim to do the same to England.
They will need to do so without Idrissa Gueye, who picked up his second booked of the tournament in their crunch game against Ecuador. He’ll be missed as the engine in midfield.
Senegal have had five different scorers at these championships so far, proving that they don’t rely on a central figure as much as other teams. They’ll be hoping one or two of them pop up with a goal here.
Star Man – Boulaye Dia
Has a goal to his name at this tournament and has led the line well for Senegal. He will try and test the pace of Stones and Maguire by running in behind as often as he can.
England are favourites but it won’t be easy
Foden and Rashford should start after great performances
Senegal will pose a threat in behind
England have a great chance to reach the Quarter Finals for the fourth time in six World Cups. They will have ambitions of going a lot further, of course, but this is a hurdle that needs to be overcome first.
Senegal won’t fear England and will enjoy not having the pressure on them. If they are solid and organised at the back, they can grow into the game and put pressure on England’s centre backs, which lack pace when running back to their own goal.
That said, England have so many quality players going forward. Even without Kane’s goals, Rashford, Foden, Sterling, Grealish and Saka have all found the net.
Their attacking prowess makes them favourites.
England to win 2-0
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