It’s the World Cup Round of 16 and England are playing Senegal today. Here’s how I think it will go…
SENEGAL
It’s been a fantastic year so far for the Lions of Teranga. Aliou Cisse’s men won the African Cup of Nations in February and currently find themselves in the World Cup knockout stages. However, they haven’t had it all their way this year. Their star player Sadio Mane is currently out injured, which is a huge blow for Senegal. Chelsea star Kalidou Koulibaly is currently their most noteworthy player, as well as his Chelsea teammate Edouard Mendy.
Cisse currently plays the 4-2-3-1 formation but has also used the 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 formation in recent times. Senegal have averaged 47% possession so far this tournament, and they have lost one game and won two.
As a whole I’d say that Senegal are a solid side, with their fair share of quality. However, I expect England to win this game without much fuss...
ENGLAND
England are coming off a big 3-0 victory over Wales, A game that saw Phil Foden take his chance in an England shirt and Marcus Rashford score a brilliant brace. Gareth Southgate’s men are through to the Round of 16 and the entire nation is beginning to question whether football’s finally coming home. Rashford is now England’s top scorer this tournament, with the Manchester United star bagging three goals in three games.
Midfielder Declan Rice revealed why England should be feared at the World Cup. Here's what he had to say: “Other nations will look at our quality - and why should we not be feared? If you look at our attacking talent, we have world-class talent. Across the board we have players who have won the biggest trophies. It is up to us to prove that. The likes of France have done that. We’re not just here to get into the last 16, we want to go the whole way.”
He also said: “I think the competition (Within the group) is top level - it’s always nice to know you can bring players on that can instantly change the game. We’ve got world class players that can do that and in a World Cup you need that. Competition is really healthy, and I’d do anything to win the World Cup. So, if that means someone comes in and helps, that’s all that matters. We all share the same goal.”
MY PREDICTION
So, my prediction for this game is a 2-0 England victory. I think Harry Kane will finally score his first goal of the tournament and Jude Bellingham will score his second. The reason why I’m so confident is because Senegal lost 2-0 to the Netherlands, so they’ve already lost once in this tournament whilst we are unbeaten. I think they will give it their best shot, but I’m confident England will outclass them.
ENGLAND PREDICTED 11 (FORMATION 4-2-3-1)
1 Jordan Pickford, 3 Luke Shaw, 6 Harry Maguire, 5 John Stones, 2 Kyle Walker, 4 Declan Rice, 22 Jude Bellingham, 20 Phil Foden, 11 Marcus Rashford, 9 Harry Kane, 10 Raheem Sterling
SENEGAL PREDICTED 11 (FORMATION 4-2-3-1)
16 Edouard Mendy, 21 Youssouf Sabaly, 3 Kalidou Koulibaly, 22 Abdou Diallo, 14 Ismail Jakobs, 11 Pathe Ciss, 5 Idrissa Gueye, 25 Mamadou Loum, 13 Iliman Ndiaye, 18 Ismaila Sarr, 9 Boulaye Dia
