England managed to qualify for the eighth finals of the 2022 World Cup through two convincing victories. Here they will face Senegal, who finished second in Group A behind the Netherlands. Will the English manage to advance, or will the African champion hold out? In this preview, we look ahead to the eighth final between England and Senegal. We discuss the latest team news, look at the results of previous encounters and finally give you a prediction and betting tip.
England – Latest Team News & Statistics
With a monster win in their opening game, the English won a whopping 6-2 over Iran. No less than five different players found the net. It was an easy match and promised good things. In the second game, however, things went a little less smoothly. England played a 0-0 draw against the United States.
In the third game, England faced neighbouring Wales. While no goals were scored in the first half, England did hit three goals in the second half. With two goals from Marcus Rashford and one goal from Phil Foden, the team won its final group game. England finished first in Group B with seven points.
For the England squad, there seems little to worry about. Gareth Southgate has not had to take any players off the field with injuries in the group stage, and so can have top players like Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice at his disposal. Arsenal defender Ben White did leave the World Cup last week. The defender took leave after the final group game to go home due to personal reasons. White is not expected to return to Qatar.
Senegal – Latest Team News & Statistics
Senegal started their World Cup in Qatar with a defeat against the Netherlands. For a long time, the Senegalese managed to contain Orange, but Senegal still got two goals against in the closing stages. The African champion polished off the loss nicely, by winning in the second match though. Thanks to Boulaye Dia, Famara Diedhiou and Bamba Dieng, Senegal won 3-1 over hosts Qatar.
In the final group match, Senegal faced Ecuador. To reach the eighth final, Senegal had to win, and it did: Senegal won 2-1. After a utilised penalty by Ismaila Sarr, the team took a lead in the first half. In the second half, Ecuador managed to find the equaliser, but three minutes later Senegal came up with an answer. It was captain Kalidou Koulibaly with the winning goal.
There were no injuries in Senegal’s squad either. All players seem fit to start preparations for the eighth final. It is the second time Senegal has qualified for this round at the World Cup. In 2002, the first time Senegal competed at a World Cup, they reached the quarter-finals.
England – Senegal previous encounters
It will be the first ever meeting between England and Senegal. Not surprisingly, as Senegal will only be in action at the World Cup for the third time this year. For England, it is already the 17th time.
Senegal’s best result at a World Cup is the quarter-finals. That was at the 2002 World Cup. The Africans managed to win against France in the group stage and draw against Denmark and Uruguay. That was enough for second place, below Denmark. Senegal qualified for the knockout phase and faced Sweden in the eighth final. After an early 1-0 deficit, Senegal managed to recover. It was Henri Camara who found the equaliser and also scored the winning goal in the extension. Senegal won 1-2 and advanced to the quarterfinals. Here the World Cup dream stopped as Turkey were too strong 1-0.
England did manage to win the World Cup before. The English managed it once, and that was at the 1966 World Cup, where England hosted. After that, the English failed to reach a World Cup final. Last time, the country reached the semi-finals. After beating Sweden, Colombia and Panama, among others, England found themselves facing Croatia. The Croats were the surprise of the World Cup, winning 2-1. In the consolation final, England faced Belgium. The two had also met in the group stage. Belgium was too strong 1-0 then. This was the case again in the consolation final: England lost 2-0 and finished fourth at the tournament.
England – Senegal: Betting Tip & Quote
Among bookmakers, England is the big favourite. In the group stage, the country scored as many as nine goals, currently the highest number of goals scored by any country this World Cup in the group stage. Senegal also scored at least two goals each time (in total) in their matches. We expect a number of goals in this game too. Therefore, we predict more than 2.5 goals. At Bet365, this is matched with a oddsof5/4.
- Tip: More than 2.5 goals
- Odds: 5/4 at bookmaker Bet365
- Risk rating: Medium
- Recommended stake: 4/10