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Senegal are ready to show England they are not just the best in Africa but also the best in the World.
After finishing top of Group B, England face current Africa Cup of Nations champions and Group A runners-up Senegal in the round of 16 at Qatar 2022. This represents a huge chance for Senegal to score a major upset, one that could shatter all pre-game expectations and represent a significant boost for Africa.
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It is also a chance for Gareth Southgate and England to take one step closer to their ultimate goal of reaching the World Cup final. This winner takes all match kicks off at the Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor on Saturday, 8pm.
England vs Senegal head to head
England vs Senegal form guide
While there was plenty of fuss made in England after their goalless draw with the USA, they ultimately eased through Group B. Before the draw with USA, they demolished Iran 6-2 in an emphatic performance.
A brace from Marcus Rashford and a tidy finish from Phil Foden helped them to an extremely comfortable 3-0 win against Wales in their final group game
Senegal impressed for 80 minutes of their first Group A game against the Netherlands. But, after keeping them quiet for so long, they conceded twice in the final few minutes to lose.
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Without Sadio Mane throughout, they dusted themselves down and beat the tournament hosts Qatar and then earned a well-deserved 2-1 victory over Ecuador
Players to watch
Harry Kane (England)
Kane may not have lit up this tournament with his goals but he has remained a constant threat to opposition defences with his movement and immense inteligence. Sooner or later the goals will come as he has shown he is capable of doing it on the highest level.
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Gareth Southgate knows the importance of the England captain and he will once again lead the line for the Three Lions in a crucial game.
Marcus Rashford (England)
Rashford was introduced to the starting eleven against Wales and took his chance brilliantly. Two well taken goals capped a perfect all-round performance for the Manchester United attacker. He will be thrust into action against Senegal and tasked with replicating that performance in the final group game to help England advance to the quarter finals.
Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal)
Koulibaly is the captain and leader of this team. A strong presence at the back and a threat on set pieces, he could be a very strong factor if Senegal are to qualify to the next stage.
Ismaila Sarr ( Senegal)
Senegal have had five different goalscorers at this World Cup, but Sarr is the most dangerous of the lot. He has electric pace and is familiar with English football
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He scored from the penalty spot against Ecuador and also had the most touches in their box (five) and played more passes into the final third than any other player (13), with eight of them accurate.
England vs Senegal Tactical Analyisis
Coaches
Gareth Southgate (England)
Southgate is at a tricky juncture with this fixture. Senegal are no pushovers but it is also a game England are expected to win. He made solid tactical changes in the last game to get a fantastic result against Wales and he will be relied upon once again to pull the tactical strings that allow the Three Lions to advance in Qatar.
Aliou Cisse ( Senegal)
Aliou Cisse has done a fine job getting Senegal to this point despite a tough group and he will have belief in his side that they can cause an upset. He has managed to get the best out of an attack lacking their best player in Sadio Mane and deserves huge credit.
England vs Senegal Possible line-ups
England
Jordan Pickford, Kieran Trippier, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw; Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham; Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling; Harry Kane.
Senegal
Edouard Mendy, Sabaly, Koulibaly, Diallo, Jakobs; Nampalys Mendy, Pape Gueye, Ciss; Iliman Ndiaye, Dia, Ismaila Sarr.
England vs Senegal prediction
A tough one to call considering how this tournament continues to throw up upsets. That being said, England to defeat Senegal 2-1 and advance to the quarter-final stage
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