England vs Senegal Prediction: Senegal’s confidence is enough to get them a victory in this match

On Sunday, England and Senegal face off at Al Bayt Stadium in a World Cup last-16 matchup, with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals. In a first-ever match between the countries, Gareth Southgate's Three Lions will take on the Lions of Teranga, who advanced to the knockout rounds thanks to a heroic effort by their skipper.

England Starting 11 (4-3-3): Pickford, Stones, Maguire, Shaw, Walker, Rice, Bellingham, Foden, Rashford, Kane, Saka

Senegal Starting 11 (4-4-2): Mendy, Koulibaly, Diallo, Sabaly, Jakobs, Ciss, Gueye, Gueye, Ndiaye, Sarr, Dia.

Last Five Matches: WDWDL

FIFA World Ranking: 5th

The Three Lions looked more like the team that ripped apart Iran last week after a lackluster showing in their draw with the United States just a few days earlier. Their ability to match recent runs at major championships has been reinforced. Against Wales in their final group match, the first goal, from a free kick by Marcus Rashford in the 50th minute, broke the scoreless tie, and Phil Foden scored the second in the immediate aftermath. Rashford, feeling refreshed, added the finishing touch with a third goal, marking the 100th World Cup tally for his country. They reached the World Cup semifinals in 2018 under much-maligned manager Gareth Southgate. They came close to winning the European Championship on home soil in 2018, so they have a solid track record to back up their ambitions of winning their first global trophy since 1966. Southgate's current squad will face Group A runners-up Senegal on Sunday in Al Khor, and they have yet to lose in 20 matches against African competition.

Last Five Matches: WWLDW

FIFA World Ranking: 18th

Having traveled to the Middle East as the defending African champions and having successfully navigated their way into the knockout stage for only the second time, Senegal should also be well supplied with this most precious of commodities. They beat Ecuador 1-0 in a winner-take-all match on Tuesday at Khalifa International Stadium, and captain Kalidou Koulibaly scored the game-winning goal in the 70th minute. After their South American opponents tied the game in the first half on a penalty kick by Ismaila Sarr, Aliou Cisse's team needed a controlled volley from their center back to pull off a comeback and win. This second result followed an opening-game defeat to the Netherlands. With the help of his assistant and fellow star El Hadji Diouf, Cisse hopes to guide Senegal into the quarterfinals and potentially set up an emotional rematch with France, whom they defeated in the opening game of the finals 20 years ago. Despite missing star player Sadio Mane, the former Birmingham City midfielder has fostered a passionate and tactically knowledgeable squad in Qatar since his hiring in 2015. This group of players won their first Africa Cup of Nations title on penalties in February.

England's quest for a second World Cup got underway after a dismal performance in 2022 when they were demoted from the top division of UEFA's Nations League. However, the red-hot play of Rashford and Harry Maguire of Manchester United has helped spark renewed excitement about their chances in Qatar. England may have been eliminated in the quarterfinals in the past two tournaments, but they have played in some tournaments in recent years and will enter this one full of confidence. Even though African countries have lost eight of their nine World Cup knockout matches against European opponents, Senegal was able to defeat Sweden; the Lions of Teranga may have a significant advantage over the English, who have so often seen shootouts result in heartbreaking failure.

Prediction: Senegal knows it will be tough to beat The Three Lions team and may have to rely on defensive play if they want to advance to the quarterfinals. Going in to keep England at bay the same way the United States did against England will necessitate a lot of defensive play, but it is possible. However, the English team will be hoping to avoid a repeat of their penalty shootout loss to Italy. This means there will be a heavy emphasis on offense. Since England and Senegal are both aggressive teams, corners will result from their combined efforts. If the Lions of Terenga are lucky to stop England's offensive play successfully, this match could go to penalties.

• Will There be Overtime Yes
• Method of Victory Senegal to Qualify on Penalties
• Team Two to Qualify for Next Stage

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