England will be looking to take another giant stride towards achieving their World Cup ambitions when they face Senegal in the last 16 at the Al Bayt Stadium this evening, kick-off 7pm (GMT).
The Three Lions, who made it all the way to the semi-finals at the last World Cup four-and-a-half-years ago, secured their path to the knockout stages on Tuesday night with a comfortable 3-0 win over arch-rivals Wales. Two goals from Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford and one from Manchester City's Phil Foden secured a second win in three games for Gareth Southgate's side.
Victory over Wales also secured top spot in Group B for England, meaning they now face Senegal, who finished as runners-up in Group A, for a place in the quarter-finals. The Three Lions are favourites to overcome the African outfit but can leave nothing to chance in a tournament that has so far been littered with shocks.
After naming the same side for the clashes with Iran and the USA, Southgate made four changes for the clash with Wales to freshen things up, meaning his selection this evening promises to offer plenty of intrigue. However, Jordan Pickford is expected to continue in goal for the Three Lions.
The Everton shot-stopper has started each of England's opening three matches in Qatar and has kept back-to-back clean sheets. He has kept seven clean sheets in his last 10 appearances at major tournaments.
The back-four, although there are options for Southgate to change it, should pick itself. Ahead of the prospect of potentially facing France in the quarter-finals, City's Kyle Walker, thinking ahead to the possibility of dealing with Kylian Mbappe, should continue at right-back to build up his minutes.
Manchester duo John Stones and Harry Maguire have been rock solid in the heart of the defence, meaning their partnership ought not to be disrupted. Luke Shaw has started every game at the tournament so far and is likely to get the nod again at left-back.
It is in midfield where Southgate faces his first big selection dilemma. Jordan Henderson was a surprise starter against Wales and the Liverpool man could continue in the engine room against Senegal to provide a degree of experience and robustness.
Declan Rice of West Ham United is a guaranteed starter and should continue at the base of the midfield, possibly alongside Henderson. If that proves the case, Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham, who has started every game so far, should play as the most advanced member of the trio.
After the win over Wales, Southgate should refuse any temptation to tinker with his front-three, despite the array of quality and options available to him. Although he is yet to get off the mark in Qatar, captain Harry Kane must start and spearhead the attack, supported by Rashford and Foden either side of him.
Although a number of fans have called for City ace Foden to be moved into midfield, he is more effective playing out wide, as highlighted by his performance against Wales. Rashford, too, deserves to retain his place after scoring a brace. It would be devastating for him to be axed from the starting line-up.
Vizbceioy
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Liverpool fans here 66 and Henderson out tripper and rice in
Smartprasath
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Hekakmrsuy
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This is the team if i was a coach
laknopruz
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what is jude doing on that teamsheet????
Jude is someone who can break defensive line from middle. With Trent playing, there's no better playmaker at England other than Trent. Top 3 attacking got speed and pace . Running behind defender with set piece cross from wingback . I love to see that
Yuabcdmnty
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I predict that England is the winner of this world cup, thanks to English people for their achievement and will be for memorial of late queen Elizabeth . thanks by Luka atak atak ,IAM England fan
not with Jude, mount and saka on the pitch...they wont beat Senegal with these toddlers
Yuabcdmnty
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Madison is clear >>>> jude
Yuabcdmnty
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Jude must not play ahead of Madison in football terms...... madison is clear
Yuabcdmnty
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perfect squad
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what the heck is jude's name doing there when you have madison on the bench
Yuabcdmnty
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this is the best England line up , play 343 is the best for attacking and defensive playing.
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what is jude doing on that teamsheet????
Yuabcdmnty
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Honestly who thinks that Bellingham can play midfield better than Foden or Madison. Grealish is even better behind the forwards but this is England as usual overhyping an averager youngstar
laknopruz
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this is the best England line up , play 343 is the best for attacking and defensive playing.
judacmnrsy
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after u won this tournament remember me!
botdsuyz
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perfect squad
putaiorsty
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three lions will coming home
judacmnrsy
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good news to my team England
judacmnrsy
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my best player is Mason Mount
judacmnrsy
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I predict that England is the winner of this world cup, thanks to English people for their achievement and will be for memorial of late queen Elizabeth . thanks by Luka atak atak ,IAM England fan
Motaceitz
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