England v Senegal betting odds, tips and predictions
England finished Group B the way they started it and their reward for topping the section is a last-16 tie with Senegal.
The Three Lions should be roaring into this one, having burst to life in the second half of their game against Wales just a couple of hours after Senegal pipped Ecuador to the runner-up spot in Group A.
Sunday’s match at the Al Bayt Stadium kicks off at 7pm and is live on BBC and ITV.
Rashford to get his reward
It would be wrong to say there’s never a dull moment following England at a major tournament but their Qatar adventure to this point has been up and down to say the least.
They are through to the knockout stage as group winners, have scored nine goals and conceded just one from open play, but they have also been booed off the pitch.
The jeers at the end of the goalless draw with USA last week were not quite as loud as the cheers that greeted the final whistle against the Welsh, and fans will be hoping Southgate is getting it right when it matters.
England odds to win of 8/15 (in 90 minutes) suggest his team will have plenty of backers as they target a spot in the last eight while Senegal are 13/2, with the draw 11/4.
Marcus Rashford was Southgate’s main man in their third group game, starting his first international since June last year and scoring twice.
He also scored less than a minute after coming on against Iran in England’s opener and has surely played his way into the starting XI on Sunday.
We like the look of the 7/2 for Rashford to open the scoring and that is a solid pick in our England v Senegal betting tips, while the Manchester United forward is 13/8 at any time and 9/1 for two or more.
Toughest test yet for defence
The numbers look good for the England defence but centre-backs Harry Maguire and John Stones could be in for their toughest test yet against the African champions.
England had the game won when Iran scored two late goals before Maguire and Co had a couple of let-offs against USA – Christian Pulisic hitting the woodwork and Weston McKennie missing a golden chance.
Wales never really looked like scoring on Tuesday, especially after Gareth Bale went off, whereas African champions Senegal should pose a real threat despite missing star man Sadio Mane in Qatar.
They got their stickiest fixture out of the way early, losing 2-0 to Group A favourites the Netherlands, before putting three past Qatar and beating Ecuador 2-1.
They had more shots (and shots on target) than the Dutch despite losing, and five different players have managed to get on the scoresheet in their two group wins.
In their last 15 outings in all competitions, the Lions of Teranga have failed to score just twice so an England win with both teams scoring appeals at 10/3 in the England v Senegal betting odds.
Southgate can keep England on track
England had their critics during the summer as they stumbled through the Nations League but during last year’s run to the Euros final, Southgate did get plenty right before falling just short against Italy.
They saw off Germany, hammered Ukraine and got the better of a lively Denmark side in the knockout rounds.
If this World Cup pans out as expected it will be France up next for Southgate’s side.
They will want to bounce into that one of the back of a big result and 3-1 to the Three Lions, at World Cup betting odds of 14/1, completes our England v Senegal predictions.
