World Cup
England vs Senegal prediction


England progressed to the second round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup as Group B winners following a 3-0 victory over Wales in their final group encounter. I must admit though, I’ve not been impressed with Gareth Southgate’s side in their last two matches. But for Marcus Rashford’s free kick just before the hour, the game would still have been goalless and England had failed to break down their neighbours from open play at the time.
The manager did change four players from the side that drew 0-0 against the United States, to give some players a rest at least, but I am disappointed in the squad management in comparison to the likes of France and Brazil who got their groups won after two games and rested their starting Xi for the final group game. I expect that to come back to haunt the Three Lions in the latter stages.
Back to matters in hand and it’s Senegal who are England’s opponents in the second round. There was no opportunity for Aliou Cisse to rest any of his stars in their final group game as they needed to beat Ecuador in order to get here. And they did just that; 2-1 with Chelsea’s Kalidou Koulibaly scoring the winner 20 minutes from time. Both teams will have had four days’ full rest prior to the knockout stage.
As long as England take the game to the Lions of Teranga then I expect a comfortable victory. But is that how they will play, or will it be more of the slow passing around at the back as we saw versus USA and Wales? I am least hopeful England will go for it from the start.
Senegal have weaknesses defensively, particularly at right-back and in front of the back four, as we’ve seen in the group stage. Depending on who Southgate selects, the 1966 winners certainly have the players to exploit this. Will Phil Foden continue down the left? And will Bukayo Saka come back in down the right? These would be two excellent options. Jude Bellingham continuing in the number 10 is a much better option to Mason Mount. And can Harry Kane break his duck at this tournament?
Best bet: England to win is 8/15 with BetFred
Value bet: England to win HT/FT is 6/4 with BetFred