Absence to hinder Senegal's chances of upset
England take on Senegal in the round of 16 on Sunday in aiming to make the quarter final stage for the second World Cup running.
Aliou Cisse’s Lions of Teranga stepped up to the big occasion to beat Ecuador 2-1 and progress from Group A, with Kalidou Koulibaly slamming home his first goal for his country to clinch second spot in Group A.
Senegal will be without the injured Sadio Mane and key man Idrissa Gueye due to an accumulation of yellow cards, making England heavy favourites to progress in 90 minutes.
Marcus Rashford announced himself in tournament football and took his tally up to three for the competition with a brace against Wales last time out, it will be interesting to see if he keeps his place alongside Phil Foden who was also on the scoresheet against Rob Page’s men.
Background
England were very disappointing against the USA but have otherwise looked like one of the stronger sides in the competition and will fancy their chances of progression.
Senegal’s strength is in their defensive line and the Tottenham Hotspur-Chelsea clash between Harry Kane and Koulibaly will be an interesting one to monitor.
Kane has not registered a shot on target in the tournament so far, but has come up with three assists and generally led the line very well.
Jude Bellingham is England’s trump card in midfield and will likely keep his place alongside Declan Rice, and one of Jordan Henderson or Mason Mount.
Edouard Mendy, Youssouf Sabaly, of Real Betis, Koulibaly, Abdou Diallo, of RB Leipzig (on loan from Paris Saint-Germain), and Ismail Jakobs, Monaco, make up a very competent backline.
The Three Lions will have to be at their best to unpick the low block, similar to the Iran game, an early goal could open the game up massively.
Goals?
An unders and outright selection does entice me, it would not be a surprise to see Senegal hold things at 0-0 until maybe even extra time, but the loss of Gueye is huge and will help Gareth Southgate’s men.
England have scored in five of ten.
England have conceded in six of ten.
England have seen both teams score in three of ten.
England have seen over 2.5 goals in five of ten.
Senegal have scored in eight of ten.
Senegal have conceded in seven of ten.
Senegal have seen both teams score in five of ten.
Senegal have seen over 2.5 goals in four of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
This one comes in to pull off another profitable week. 3-0 England.