The fourth match to be played in the 2022 World Cup round of 16 is between England and Senegal. The game will be played on the 4th of December at the Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor. England qualified for this game by finishing top of Group B while Senegal finished as runners-up in Group A.
England come into the match on the back of a comfortable 3-0 win over Wales in their final group fixture. England knew if they avoided a 4 goal defeat they would be through and having failed to make the breakthrough in the first half, they opened the scoring in the 50th minute.
A special night for the #ThreeLions and @MarcusRashford. 🤝— England (@England) November 30, 2022
A special night for the #ThreeLions and @MarcusRashford. 🤝
England added a second goal just one minute later and completed the job with a third goal in the 68th minute.
England started their 2022 World Cup campaign with an impressive 6-2 win over Iran. It took until the 35th minute to open the scoring but the goals flowed from there and England cruised to victory.
However, United States proved a tougher test and England struggled to break down the American defence, meaning they had to settle for a 0-0 draw.
Trends show England are unbeaten in 24 of their 27 most recent matches in all competitions. However, they have won only 3 of their last 9 games and have seen over 2.5 goals scored in 4 of their last 6 fixtures.
Senegal came though a tough group containing Netherlands, Ecuador, and Qatar. Senegal started the 2022 World Cup with a tough fixture against the Dutch and despite keeping them at bay for much of the game, conceded two late goals to lose 2-0.
Senegal responded in their second game against Qatar and defeated the hosts 3-1 to set up a crunch clash against Ecuador.
Senegal were excellent against Ecuador and opened the scoring from the penalty spot shortly before half time. Having conceded an equaliser in the 67th minute, Senegal did not allow their heads to drop and scored the crucial winning goal just 3 minutes later to seal their place in the round of 16.
Trends show Senegal are undefeated in 8 of their last 10 matches in all competitions, including friendly games. They have won 5 of their last 7 fixtures and have seen both teams score in 3 of their last 4 matches.
Team news and England are without Ben White, who has left the squad for personal reasons. It will be interesting to see if Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford keep their places in attack or Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling return to the starting XI.
Senegal are without star man Sadio Mane due to injury. They have doubts over the fitness of Cheikhou Kouyate and may opt for the same starting XI from the win against Ecuador.
This should be a fascinating game to watch, with both teams finding the back of the net. Senegal have the pace to hurt England on the break and that is likely to be their gameplan. However, England have plenty of fire power of their own and should score the goals to win the game.