England will take on AFCON champions Senegal in the second Round of 16 games of the World Cup on Sunday. With two wins over Iran and Wales in between a 0-0 tie with the United States, the runners-up at the European Championship took first place in their group. Senegal triumphed over Qatar and Ecuador after overcoming the adversity of losing their star forward Sadio Mane prior to the competition and their opening match of the campaign against the Netherlands.
England team news
Except for Ben White, an Arsenal center-back who departed the team earlier this week for “personal reasons,” Gareth Southgate ought to have a wide range of alternatives available to him this Sunday. Southgate faces some difficult decisions in light of the forwards’ strong performance against Wales.
Senegal team news
Aliou Cisse has already suffered with Mane’s absence, but he sustained yet another setback during his country’s valiant victory over Ecuador. Idrissa Gana Gueye of Everton was disqualified from the opening round of the playoffs after receiving his second booking of the competition. Cheikhou Kouyate of Nottingham Forest is reportedly the lone player out due to injury after being carried off against the Netherlands.
England vs Senegal World Cup score prediction
The last time England faced an African opponent in the men’s World Cup knockout phase, Sir Bobby Robson’s scout Howard Wilkinson allegedly dismissed the match as “a bye.” At the time and three decades later, the confidence was gravely mistaken. Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye may be partnered by a pair of Championship wingers for Senegal, but their lightning-quick pace and directness should trouble England’s unimpressive backline.
When launching into the counter-press and creating opportunities in transition, England appeared to be playing their greatest soccer of the tournament. The Three Lions could control this area while facing a Senegal team without its two starting midfielders. England may have the advantage in what may be a close game between two teams with tournament football experience, but a trip to the quarterfinals is far from a lock.
Prediction: England 1-0 Senegal
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