England take on African champions Senegal in the last 16 of the World Cup at 19:00 on Sunday and the Lions of Teranga’s missing men could leave them at a real disadvantage.
Injury saw talisman Sadio Mane ruled out ahead of the tournament in Qatar and now Idrissa Gana Gueye will be absent from the game in Al Khor after picking up two yellow cards during the pool stages.
The second of those came in Tuesday’s monumental 2-1 Group A win over an impressive Ecuador side that saw the Lions of Teranga book their place in the last-16 of the World Cup for the first time since coach Aliou Cisse captained his country to the quarter-finals in 2002.
Senegal are sure to start with a plan and are unlikely to allow England to fly out of the traps.
Gareth Southgate’s side have been excellent at times in this tournament, dismantling Iran 6-2 and beating Wales 3-0. They will now be hoping to avoid similar frustration to their second match, where they were second best for long stages of their 0-0 draw against the USA.
England vs Senegal Betting Tips
Team news
England face several selection dilemmas but only because the majority of their squad seems to be playing well.
Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford all performed when given their chance against Wales and Kieran Trippier, Bukayo Saka and long-time favourite Raheem Sterling may now struggle to get back in the side.
As things stand, Kalvin Phillips and James Maddison are the only England players lacking match sharpness.
Senegal will be without the aforementioned Gueye after the Everton man received his second yellow card of the tournament against Ecuador.
With Cheikhou Kouyate also unavailable through injury, the onus will be on Nampalys Mendy to drive the midfield.
England to win to nil @ 23/20
Southgate has often been criticised for his defensive tactics, but all that has been for a reason. The 52-year-old understands that clean sheets win tournaments and to date, the only goals his team have conceded in Qatar came late on against Iran with the game already won.
Senegal have attacking talent in the likes of Boulaye Dia and Ismaila Sarr but Mane’s absence robs them of their only truly top-class forward.
Despite the Three Lions’ advantage on paper, Southgate may still employ a double pivot in midfield or even a back three to provide extra security, especially with an eye on a potential quarter-final with France.
Another defensively impressive evening could beckon for England, who should be able to keep the African champions at bay.
Harry Maguire to score at anytime @ 8/1
Harry Maguire’s place in the squad, let alone the starting line-up was questioned in the run-up to the World Cup following the 29-year-old’s indifferent last 18 months or so with Manchester United.
However, he has been arguably England’s best player, certainly from a defensive point of view, almost single-handedly repelling the USA in that trying 0-0 Group B draw.
His aerial prowess was notable in his own box in that match, while he also hit the woodwork against Iran.
Senegal have talented defenders in Abdou Diallo and captain Kalidou Koulibaly but have been vulnerable to balls in the box, conceding two headers, while Ecuador’s goal on Tuesday was the result of a poorly defended corner.
With set pieces often even more critical in the knockout stages, Maguire could be the man for England.
*All prices correct at the time of writing.
Welcome Offer – Bet £10 Get £30 in FREE Bets
New 18+ UK customers.
1st bet on sports of £10+ in one transaction at evens (2.0)+ settled within 7 days of registering.
£30 paid in free bets within 10 hours of bet settlement, 7-day expiry. Payment restrictions apply.
Full Terms & Conditions apply.
