With a spot in the World Cup quarter-finals on the line, England will take on Senegal Sunday afternoon.
England cruised through the group stages, though weren’t all that convincing. They’re patented defensive style employed by manager Gareth Southgate again fell under criticism. While they were solid against Iran, they’ve been lacking punch up front in their last two contests. In a do or die scenario, will we be able to see the full attacking quality of the Three Lions?
– TEAM STATS –
🏴 Two terrific attacking performances and one blank in the groups, dominating every department.
🇸🇳 Despite scoring just 5 goals to England’s 9, Senegal have racked up more shots and a similar xG.
(2/6) pic.twitter.com/jZUpZlNWCn
— Bad Man Betting (@BadManBetting) December 4, 2022
Not if Senegal has anything to say about it. Senegal drastically outplayed both Ecuador and Qatar, and even managed to give the Dutch a good run in a tight Group A. They’re the African champions for good reason, and enter Sunday afternoon in excellent form. Captain Kalidou Koulibaly spearheads a fierce defensive back-line, while the pace and dribbling ability of Ismaila Sarr could trouble the English.
While African teams have lost eight of the past 9 World Cup knockout games against European opponents, Senegal did secure that lone victory. This Senegalese side is immensely familiar with English football as many of their players ply their trade in Britain. It should make for a fascinating contest.
It's been an impressive showing from the U.S.A. against England this half.
Leading the xG 0.43-0.33
Really focused on hitting on the counter through Weah, McKennie and Pulisic, with England a lot more comfortable holding possession.
USA should probably be leading.
— Ben Steiner (@BenSteiner00) November 25, 2022
Continue reading on beneath the posted odds and betting history, for the latest news, trends, and information to help you make an informed decision when betting on this year’s World Cup. With all that is on the line, this England vs. Senegal match surely won’t disappoint. Enjoy the game, folks!
France advance to the next stage of the World Cup. Poland are out. 🚨🇫🇷🇵🇱 #Qatar2022
France will face the winners of England vs Senegal game. pic.twitter.com/DZsQxsoVFU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 4, 2022
England vs. Senegal Live Odds & Betting History
Betting odds provided by BOVADA
| TEAMS | ENGLAND | SENEGAL |
| MONEYLINE | -160 | +620 |
| SPREAD | -1 (-110) | +1 (-110) |
| TOTAL | Over 2.5 (+110) | Under 2.5 (-130) |
| TEAM DATA | ENGLAND | SENEGAL |
| Overall Record | 1-2-0 | 2-0-1 |
| Home/Away Record | 1-2-0 | 2-0-1 |
| Expected Goals | 1.75 | 1.99 |
| Expected Goals Allowed | 1.13 | 1.05 |
| Clean Sheets | 40% | 20% |
England vs. Senegal Prediction
Expect England to make some changes to counter the pace of Senegal. Look for Southgate to solidify his flanks and turn to Bukayo Saka in the midfield, and Raheem Sterling up top. Kyle Walker has been elite along the right flank, and if the Three Lions are solid off the ball, expect Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford to both find opportunities against Senegal’s questionable back-line.
That said, for all of the talk heading into this contest, the Lions of Teranga from Senegal have better underlying metrics than England thus far in Qatar. They’ve played open and created chances against all, and haven’t conceded all that often either. While the English quite clearly were playing conservatively to ensure they made it through the group stages, there will be a necessary shift in Southgate’s men in a knockout-game scenario.
Senegal have made the World Cup knockout stage two times in their entire history:
©️ 2002 – Aliou Cisse captain
👔 2022 – Aliou Cisse managerNational hero 🦸♂️🇸🇳 pic.twitter.com/oBRY7cO76n
— 433 (@433) November 29, 2022
Senegal will be a tad shorthanded, and might struggle to win balls and keep up with England’s dominating midfield. Everton’s Idrissa Gueye is suspended for this contest, and Cheick Kouyate remains injured. Senegal lacks squad depth and without that tandem, look for England to win balls and control the midfield.
Senegal does boast a strong centre of defense, led by Koulilaby and Eduoard Mendy of Chelsea. That said, that duo is likely not prepared to absorb a constant onslaught of chances against. Senegal’s flanks remain weak, and the runs of Kyle Walker, Luke Shaw, and the central presence of Harry Kane will be impossible to match up against. It’s been a solid run for the Lions of Teranga, but the quality of the Three Lions should roar onto the quarters.
Harry Kane is more than just a goalscorer 💪#BBCWorldCup #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/AElSbk6RCb
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 4, 2022
England vs. Senegal Trends To Know:
- African sides have lost eight of their nine World Cup knockout matches vs. European nations though Senegal were the exception in 2002 when they defeated Sweden 2-1 in the Round of 16.
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. - England have never faced Senegal before. Only once have they met an African side in the World Cup knockout rounds, defeating Cameroon 3-2 after extra time in the quarterfinals at the 1990 tournament.
. - England have previously played African nations seven times at the World Cup and remain unbeaten (W4, D3). In fact overall across 20 international matches, England have never lost to an African side.
- Senegal is 10-0-3 in its last 13 non-friendly matches.
- England is unbeaten in 7 World Cup matches vs African opponents.
Despite the attacking talent both sides possess, recent trends and history point to this being a cagey affair. Senegal won’t feel the need to open up that much, and whether England has the attacking quality and pace to do so – remains to be seen. Expect the Three Lions to dominate possession, and eventually their lineup should find a breakthrough. They’re skilled out wide, and will stretch the field with ease and sustained ball time. At a modest price to win inside 90 minutes, England move on.
