Despite losing 2-0 to the Netherlands in their opening match, Senegal were the first African country to qualify for the round of 16 after beating Qatar 1-3 and Ecuador 1-2.
The Teranga Lions will look to continue keeping the hopes of millions of Africans alive that the prestigious World Cup trophy might head to the continent for the first time.
While Gareth Southgate’s men walk into the show as downright favorites, you cannot fully write off Aliou Cisse’s men, who are more than capable of pulling a rabbit out of a hat against a star-studded England side.
The Three Lions advanced to the knockout stage with 7 points after beating Iran 6-2 and Wales 0-3 and drawing 0-0 with the United States of America.
Senegal were dealt a severe injury blow prior to the competition when their top player Sadio Mane was ruled out, but they have recovered admirably without him.
This evening, as they vie for a place in the final eight, England and Senegal will face each other for the first time in World Cup history.
Upfront Gareth Southgate has a variety of options, especially in the wings; it remains to be seen who will start with Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden, and Bakayo Saka all in contention for a place in the line-up.
Perhaps it’s this fearsome front that makes the Three Lions a force to be reckoned with, but Senegal should take pride in knowing that defender Kalidou Koulibaly, their captain, and goalkeeper Eduard Mendy, who both play in the Premier League, can use their experience to bar the door for the Englishmen and stop the goals from coming.
England have a resounding record against African opposition; they haven’t lost in their last 7 previous World Cup matches.
The World Cup in Qatar has been filled with a lot of upsets and surprises; could there still be room for another upset on the horizon?
The reigning African Champions will be without the suspended Idrissa Gueye for the showdown, while Gareth Southgate’s team will only be without Arsenal’s Ben White, who left the squad due to personal reasons.
PREDICTION, BETTING TIP, AND ODDS
The Senegalese team is equally star-studded with players that compete in prominent European leagues, so even though many believe England is the favorite to win this match, it won’t be easy. In this game, each team has a chance to prevail. TRY DOUBLE CHANCE 12@1.26 FOR EITHER TEAM TO WIN.
