England vs Senegal: Predicted lineup, injury news and head-to-head

The Three Lions will face the African champions in the Round of 16 on Sunday night at Al Bayt Stadium.

With two victories and a draw, the European championship runners-up England finished first in their group for the FIFA World Cup 2022. Desires are high for this star-studded England team, who are aiming to win their first major prize since 1966. Southgate is still attempting to identify a balanced side that can live up to its pledge after three changes in three games. England will face the African champions Senegal in the Round of 16 game.

Senegal's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 2002 were not shattered despite the loss of their talisman Sadio Mane to injury. They improved from their loss to the Netherlands and now face a prodigious England team.

Kick-off: 12 am (IST), 7 pm (GMT).

England form (all competition): L-D-W-D-W

Senegal form (all competition): W-D-L-W-W

Players to watch

England

Marcus Rashford

United's player scored two goals against Wales, proving Southgate's faith in him. After missing a penalty in Euro 2020, he overcame his fears and is currently England's leading World Cup scorer. Rashford has played a bigger role on the left wing, cutting outside with his right foot before firing a shot. His speed and one-on-one pass allow him to avoid tight situations and create gaps for England to exploit, which will prove crucial for Senegal’s game.

Senegal

Ismaïla Sarr

Sarr has been crucial in filling the vacuum left by Sadio Mane on the left flank. He also scored a goal against Ecuador, giving Senegal a huge goal and morale boost. He resembles Sadio Mane and will seek to stir up trouble for England from the left wing.

Injury and team news

Following the removal of Ben White for personal reasons, Southgate now has a plethora of options to choose from ahead of this crucial match, which will undoubtedly cause the manager a headache,  despite the fact that England has no injuries.

Aliou Cisse, Senegal's mane replacement, was given a big blow following Senegal's historic triumph over Ecuador. Idrissa Gana Gueye of Everton received a second booking and is suspended for the game. Cheikhou Kouyate of Nottingham Forest is the sole injured player, having been stretchered off against the Netherlands.

Head-to-Head stats

They will meet for the first time in a major event.

England vs Senegal: Predicted lineup

England predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham; Rashford, Mount, Sterling; Kane.

Senegal predicted XI (4-3-3): E Mendy; Sabaly, Koulibaly, Diallo, Jakobs; N Mendy, Ciss, P Gueye; Ndiaye, Dia, I Sarr.

Prediction

England have matured, and their transition in games in counter-attacking has given them a lot of control over the game, but Senegal's blistering pace could rattle stodgy England's backline.  This will be a close encounter between two successful continents, but England have a profound squad that can influence the dynamic of the game.

Prediction: England 2-1 Senegal