England face a tricky opponent in Senegal as they seek to book their place in the quarterfinals of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Three Lions are desperate to better their fourth-place finish from four years ago and win a second trophy to add on to their 1966 triumph.
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.
The Lions of Teranga on the other hand come into the game as Group A runners-up after registering back to back wins against Qatar and Ecuador.
England have yet to lose in 20 matches against African opposition, so Gareth Southgate’s current crop surely start as favourites to progress on Sunday.
England are unbeaten in their seven matches against African opponents in the FIFA World Cup, with their previous knock-out fixture of this nature coming against Cameroon in 1990.
Senegal have won three of their last six matches against European opponents in the FIFA World Cup and lost their last such match against the Netherlands by a 2-0 scoreline.
England are looking to reach the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup in consecutive editions for the first time since 2006.
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What time does Senegal vs England start?
The game kicks off at 10pm Kenyan time at the Al Bayt Stadium.
Senegal vs England team news
Cheikhou Kouyate sustained an ankle injury in their first fixture and has since been ruled out of training, with Nampalys Mendy set to start.
Famara Diedhiou and Krepin Diatta are also contenders to start this game in the continued absence of Sadio Mane and Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Ismaila Sarr who scored in the Ecuador win will start and lead the attacking line.
For England, Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford all started the last game but may be dropped to the bench.
Rashford is joint-top scorer in the tournament and may be handed a start though.
Jude Bellingham – who became the second-youngest English player to reach 20 senior caps last time out – should join Declan Rice in the midfield.
Mason Mount is also expected to return to the starting XI.
Senegal vs England head to head
England have never played a game against Senegal on the international stage and this will be their first ever game.
Senegal vs England current form
Both sides have lost just once in their recent run of five matches, but Senegal have won three times, though England have won twice and drawn twice as well.
Senegal vs England prediction
If there is a match that has the potential to be decided on penalties, this is the one. There is so much on the line for both teams and if neither side edge it in the 90, it will be a draw at full time.