England vs Senegal Predictions

• England have won 14 of 20 competitive clashes with African sides
• African nations have lost eight of nine clashes with European sides
• England have scored nine goals so far, they’ve only scored more at two previous World Cups (1966, 2018)
• Rashford scored a goal every 36 minutes on average in the group stage

Where do Three Lions stand?

England came through their group unbeaten, winning comfortably in their first and final games, with a dour draw against the USA in between. They have racked up nine goals already, having only scored more at the 1966 and 2018 tournaments. Despite that attacking verve and strong start, it doesn’t seem like everyone is all that convinced by the team.

Gareth Southgate’s best 11 is still up for debate, although that’s down to a combination of consistent tournament performers being pushed by in-form players. Unlike uninspiring World Cup showings of the golden generation, there’s an energy and invention around this England side which sets them apart.

They return to Al Khor – the backdrop to their draw with the States – to face African champions Senegal. Will their great attacking form continue, or will the Lions of Teranga show more defensive grit?

Uphill battle for Senegal

Senegal made the last 16 without key man Sadio Mane, who missed the tournament through injury. Wins over Qatar and Ecuador took them into the knockout round, but that was the first time they had ever won back-to-back World Cup games. Adding to that run looks like an uphill battle judging by the record of African sides.

African nations have lost eight of their nine World Cup knockout round games against European sides. Meanwhile, in all competitions, England have never lost against an African side in their history, winning 14 of 20 meetings.

Since beating France 1-0 in their first-ever World Cup match in 2002, Senegal have conceded at least once in each of their last 10 games in the competition. While they’ve had five scorers at this competition, they lack the quality Mane brings and they’ve benefitted from meeting Qatar in the group stage. Their best hope is that Chelsea pair Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly have stellar displays at the back.

Rashford no rash choice

However, England don’t look like the kind of side you can sit back and defend deep against. That was how Iran and Wales approached it and they shipped nine goals. The USA did a better job by pressing them early, but that probably won’t suit this Senegal side. However, the Three Lions have shown a cutting edge which should worry opponents.

England’s wide players have thrived against deeper opponents, with Marcus Rashford finishing as their top scorer in the group stages, netting three goals in just 107 minutes of action. He’s earned a starting spot with that run and his form should continue in this clash, so back the winger to score in this game.

The Three Lions are strong favourites to win this game but they should arguably be shorter. There are always nerves before an England knockout game but given the way they’ve breezed by similar sides I see them winning this clash comfortably. England are worth considering with a -1 handicap, but I’m backing them for the win alongside a 2-0 correct score prediction.

England vs Senegal betting offers