England vs Senegal: Euro’s finalists face AFCON champions
It is a fight to be proclaimed king of the jungle, as the Three Lions face the Lions of Teranga for a place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup in the Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday at 19:00 GMT.
England head into the game off the back of an impressive start to the tournament. Two comfortable wins against Iran and Wales sandwiched a goalless draw against the USA, as Gareth Southgate’s men cruised to the top of group B.
Senegal secured their place in the last 16 when they beat Ecuador 2-1. Goals from Ismaïla Sarr and Kalidou Koulibaly were enough to beat the South American side and leapfrog them into second place in group A.
It is the first time the two sides have faced each other in international football.
England come into the game as favourites and will look to further stamp their credentials as a side capable of winning the tournament.
AFCON Champions Senegal have coped well so far without talisman Sadio Mané, who was ruled out of the tournament before it began. Watford winger Sarr stepped up in their decisive game against Ecuador and will look to replicate his form against a defensively sound England.
The Three Lions have conceded only twice in the tournament so far, with Harry Maguire a stand out performer in defence for England. Going forward, Marcus Rashford is the joint top scorer in the tournament with three goals at an average of one every 36 minutes played.
Chelsea duo Édouard Mendy and Koulibaly will look to ensure Senegal’s defence holds firm. They have, however, conceded in every game so far in the tournament.
England have no new injury concerns and even managed to rest key players Bukayo Saka and Kieran Trippier against Wales.
Aliou Cissé will have to cope without Everton’s Idrissa Gueye, who is suspended for the game after picking up his second booking of the tournament against Ecuador.
Whoever triumphs will face a World Cup quarter final tie against the winners of France vs Poland.
