Regardless of Sadio Mane’s absence, Senegal have been spectacular within the World Cup.
Who: England vs Senegal
The place: Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor
When: December 4, 10pm (19:00 GMT)
The prospect of Harry Kane not scoring in any of England’s group video games on the World Cup may need left followers fearing the worst however as a substitute, there’s a rising sense of optimism as Gareth Southgate’s aspect eyes Sunday’s last-16 conflict with Senegal.
Kane, whose 51 objectives for his nation places him solely two behind report holder Wayne Rooney, has but to completely hit his straps in Qatar, barely having a shot on track.
A foot knock sustained within the opening win in opposition to Iran has not helped the England skipper, who top-scored within the 2018 World Cup with six, however his lack of objectives has definitely not impeded England’s clean progress to the knockout rounds.
In actual fact, Kane’s failure to hit the web might be flipped to a optimistic.
England have nonetheless managed to attain a tournament-coleading 9 objectives with their different forwards stepping on top of things, none extra so than Manchester United’s rejuvenated Marcus Rashford with three objectives already.
Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka have additionally been among the many objectives, leaving Southgate a nice choice dilemma forward of Senegal, though it’s inconceivable he wouldn’t begin with Kane in his ahead three.
In contrast with the white-knuckle rides skilled by among the different favourites right here, England sauntered by their group. However now, says Southgate, the intense enterprise begins.
Senegal have been topped African champions earlier this 12 months, and though they’re enjoying within the World Cup with out injured talisman Sadio Mane, the Lions of Teranga are a robust aspect filled with expertise and devoted to educate Aliou Cisse.
Senegal reached the World Cup knockout phases for under the second time after a dramatic 2-1 win in opposition to Ecuador secured the runners-up spot in Group A.
England are favoured to progress to the quarter-finals, however Senegal assistant coach Regis Bogaert believes different shock outcomes at this 12 months’s World Cup can encourage his group.
“The message is a powerful one,” he mentioned. “We’ve seen Cameroon beat Brazil and Tunisia beat France, so we all know Senegal can beat England. That’s what we’re aiming for. That’s an vital message.”
If Senegal are to drag off the shock, they may should do it with out their inspirational chief and coach Aliou Cisse, who has been sidelined with an sickness.
Including to the problem, the African champions will certainly be with out their midfield basic Idrissa Gueye, who’s suspended for the match having picked up a second yellow card in opposition to Ecuador of their remaining group match.