The fourth instalment of the last-16 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup sees England come up against Senegal.
This will be a first encounter between these nations with similar yet varying playing styles. England are predominantly possession-based with multiple attacking outlets. Senegal, too, are strong in attack though they do not enjoy as much of the ball as their next opponents tend to.
In their 20 previous meetings with African nations, England have never lost. They have 14 wins and six draws ahead of this crucial clash with the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions.
The last time the Three Lions were pitted against African opposition in the World Cup knockouts was 32 years ago, when they faced Cameroon in the quarter-finals.
In a contest with three penalties awarded, Gary Lineker scored twice for the English to reach the final-four. They subsequently lost to eventual champions, Germany, on penalties.
England’s record against African nations:
— Joe Crann (@YesWeCrann) November 29, 2022
Played – 20
Won – 14
Drawn – 6
Lost – 0
They haven’t faced an African team in a World Cup knockout game since 1990’s game against Cameroon. pic.twitter.com/Wcfv4LZTO3
At Qatar 2022, England have scored the joint-most goals (9) and recorded the second-highest ball possession (66,3 per cent) during the group phase. Up until now, Senegal have produced four shots on target per game, on average, compared to 5,7 for England.
Senegal made 77 clearances in their three group games, with captain Kalidou Koulibaly responsible for 25 of those – more than any other player at the tournament.
The West Africans first appeared at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, remarkably reaching the quarter-finals on World Cup debut. This is their third time at the World Cup finals, having also qualified for the 2018 finals.
Gareth Southgate’s men reached the semi-finals at Russia 2018 and they are looking to go one better this time in the desert. England made relatively light work of their Group B opposition, registering two wins and a draw to advance as group winners. The Three Lions shipped in nine goals against Iran and Wales, on either side of a goalless draw with USA.
Two goals versus Wales took Marcus Rashford’s tally to three at the tournament and, up until now, no player has scored more at Qatar 2022. Harry Kane won the Golden Boot at the 2018 event, though the England skipper is yet to open his account in the Middle East.
Senegal head coach Aliou Cissé is doubtful for the last-16 tie after he was reported unwell in recent days. Under his jurisdiction, the Senegalese won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time and they have become a true powerhouse in the context of African football and they should be no walkover for the English.
Cissé was previously captain of the national team when it last reached the World Cup knockouts in 2002. Two decades later, the 46-year-old is in charge of the Teranga Lions and he ought to do everything he can for him to be present on the touchline at Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday.
Many would have expected the African champions to advance from the groups, though the last-minute withdrawal of Sadio Mané posed a serious threat to their hopes and chances of progression.
The two-time African Footballer of the Year did not recover in time for the showpiece event after sustaining a calf injury in Bayern Munich’s penultimate match before the season break.
Even without their most influential component in Mané, Senegal got the job done and they are braced for a maiden meeting with the Three Lions.
Despite being touted as favourites to reach the quarter-finals, England must still be on red alert for the Lions of Teranga.
The Three Lions are 1.50 to win; Senegal are priced 8.00 to win in regular time; 3.80 for a draw after 90 minutes. Despite blanking in three straight games, Kane is 4.00 favourite to score the opening goal of the contest, or 2.20 for a goal anytime. Red hot Rashford is 3.25 to score anytime versus the Senegalese.
(Bet365)
