ENGLAND expects. And a Round of 16 draw against Senegal looks to give them an acceptable pathway for another go at the business end of the competition.
Momentum is building with the Three Lions after they blew the Welsh away in a game they absolutely dominated to top the group. They did the same to Iran, but were disappointing against USA.
It's almost a mirror image of Euro 2020 and Gareth Southgate now has some serious selection dilemmas after some excellent performances from the likes of Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden against the Welsh.
However, it has to be pointed out yet that England have really yet to be tested here and anything other than them topping the group would have been a major shock.
Senegal were in the easiest group of the early stages, but to be fair to them, they showed plenty of courage and defensive resolve to beat Ecuador 2-1 in a do-or-die game after previously losing to the Dutch and beating hosts Qatar.
They don't take themselves too seriously and the pressure will very much be all on England when the nations meet.
How the bookies view it
England are almost 1/2 with Highbet – 47/100, while the African nation are 67/1 outsiders. The draw is 14/5.
Recent head to heads
This will be a historic first ever meeting between the two countries.
Players to watch
Harry Kane is still carrying that ankle injury, but will surely start and will be absolutely desperate to break his Qatar duck especially with England having scored nine goals so far. Surely this is the time for him and he is 157/100 to net.
Ismaila Sarr is Senegal's penalty kick taker and converted against Ecuador. With Harry Maguire defending set pieces the Watford man might get another chance. He is an interesting option at 6/1 to score anytime.
Anything else catch the eye?
England have yet to be really tested and although Senegal can offer up plenty of resistance, they look like good things to get the job done.
Southgate faces a major dilemma as to whether put the likes of Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount and Bukayo Saka back in the team, but their squad are so strong in depth, they should have too much for Senegal, who let's not forget, were beaten by an average Dutch side.
England took until the second half to get going against Wales, but they could well come firing out the blocks here and buck the trend for a lack of first half goals. Take England to win half time and full time at 29/25.
The Three Lions' much-maligned defence has looked solid for their last two games and they could keep out Senegal and win to nil at 121/100.
This World Cup match between England and Senegal will be played on Dec 4, 2022 and kick off at 19:00. Check below for our tipsters best England vs Senegal prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
