Group B winners, England will take on runners up of Group A, Senegal in the 2022 FIFA World Cup this Sunday evening at the Al Bayt Stadium.
England come into the game after defeating neighbours, Wales 3-0 on Tuesday.
Senegal were also victorious in their final group game, beating Ecuador 2-1 on Monday to advance to the knockout stage of the tournament.
This will be the first time the two sides have ever faced off.
Southgate’s only expected missing player is Ben White after he returned home due to undisclosed personal reasons.
Aliou Cissé’s side remain without main man, Sadio Mané following his injury prior to the competition.
England are looking to reach the quarter finals for the third time in their last three major tournaments - the Three Lions have only been eliminated two of seven times in the round of 16 in the World Cup.
Odds:
England head into the tie as strong favourites, priced at 8/15
A draw priced at 14/5
Senegal to win priced at 7/1
Key Stats:
· Senegal won two of their three group games, only losing to Netherlands (2-0)
· England won two of their three group games, drawing the other against USA (0-0)
· Each of Senegal’s last ten goals have been scored by different players (including own goals)
· Senegal have conceded a goal in every game in the current campaign
· England have scored nine goals in their opening three matches
· Senegal have won consecutive World Cup games for the first time
Key Players:
· Marcus Rashford, England’s top scorer in the group stages, netting three goals in just 107 minutes. Averaging a goal every 36 mins
· Harry Kane, provided three assists in the group stage; no English player has ever recorded four at the World Cup
· Ismaïla Sarr, explosive pace could cause problems for England’s right back
· Kalidou Koulibaly, the Captain was the scorer of the all-important goal which sent Senegal to the knockouts. Solid at the back and is in top five players for tackles in competition
Predicted Lineups:
· England XI (4-3-3): Pickford (GK); Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham, Foden; Saka, Sterling, Kane.
· Senegal XI (4-3-3): Mendy (GK); Sabaly, Koulibaly, Diallo, Jakobs; Ciss, Gueye, Mendy; Diatta, Dia, Sarr.
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