| England vs Senegal Match |
|---|
| SCHEDULE | TIME |
|---|---|
| GAME | England vs Senegal Match |
| DATE | 05/12/2022 |
| TIME | 12:30 AM (Indian Standard Time) |
| ARENA | Al Bayt Stadium |
| LEAGUE | FIFA World Cup 2022 |
| FULL TIME |
|---|
| England [3-0] Senegal |
Match Preview of England vs Senegal
Vying for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals, England and last-16 opponents Senegal go head-to-head at Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday.
After Gareth Southgate's side topped Group B by beating Wales, a first-ever meeting between the nations sees the Three Lions tackle the Lions of Teranga, who made it through to the knockout rounds thanks to a crucial intervention from their captain.
Defying their doubters again, England's second-half showing in Tuesday's final group game saw them not only sweep aside their Welsh neighbours, but also reach the last 16 of Qatar 2022 as Group B winners.
They struck twice within 98 seconds at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, with Marcus Rashford breaking the deadlock via a 50th-minute free kick, before Phil Foden netted the second soon after. A rejuvenated Rashford later added the final flourish with a third - his nation's 100th World Cup goal.
Following an uninspiring performance in their draw with the United States just a few days before, the Three Lions more closely resembled the side that tore ruthlessly into Iran last week, and such attacking intent has confirmed their credentials to match recent runs at major finals.
Under oft-maligned manager Gareth Southgate, they ventured to the World Cup's final four in 2018 before falling just short on home soil at last year's Euros, so certainly have a track-record to support hopes of claiming a first global title since 1966.
Now set to meet Group A runners-up Senegal in Al Khor, England have yet to lose in 20 matches against African opposition, so Southgate's current crop surely start as favourites to progress on Sunday.
Their quest for an elusive second World Cup started in the aftermath of an awful run of results through 2022 - during which time they were relegated from the top tier of UEFA's Nations League - but a return to form for Manchester United pair Rashford and Harry Maguire has played its part in building momentum behind their Qatari campaign.
Despite their near misses, England have also accrued plenty of tournament experience over the past few years, so will kick off their last-16 clash brimful of confidence too.
Senegal should not lack in that most precious of commodities either, as they arrived in the Middle East as African champions and have since negotiated safe passage to the knockout phase for just a second time.
Our Predicted Lineups
England possible starting lineup:Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Henderson, Bellingham; Rashford, Kane, Foden
Senegal possible starting lineup: starting lineup:E. Mendy; Sabaly, Koulibaly, Diallo, Jakobs; P. Gueye, N. Mendy, Ciss; Ndiaye, Dia, Sarr
Who will win the match?
We say: England 2-0 Senegal. Having conceded at least once in all three matches so far, Senegal are ill-equipped to survive an onslaught from England's exuberant front line - provided Southgate's side play to their full potential. Though well-organised and offering a clear threat on the break, the absence of integral players may see Africa's top team slain by the Three Lions in Al Khor.