Phil Foden could start against Senegal after a brilliant game against Wales. The Manchester City forward has only made one start at the World Cup.
The Qatar 2022 round of 16 games has kicked off with two teams already through to the quarter-finals. On Saturday, the Netherlands and Argentina scaled through to the last eight with victories over USA and Australia. The Oranje gang beat the Americans 3-1, while Argentina secured a slim 2-1 win over Australia.
The games continue on Sunday with some more exciting matches. While the defending champions will lock horns with Poland, England have a date with Senegal, which is a massive game in all ramifications for both sides. Senegal, Ghana and Cameroon are the only countries to make it to the quarter-final of the World Cup.
Senegal may be without their talisman Sadio Mane, but the Teranga Lions have shown they are dangerous customers. Gareth Southgate is wary of the West African nation and wants to deploy his most potent arsenal against Senegal. The former England international is putting his faith on the young shoulders of Manchester City forward Phil Foden.
Foden in line to start against Senegal
England are seeking to book a place in the quarter-final of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. It is no mean task, as Senegal stands in the way of qualification. While the omens favour England, who have never lost to an African side, Gareth Southgate is wary of a pumped-up Senegal side. The Teranga Lions booked a place in the round of 16 with wins over Qatar and Ecuador.
Phil Foden has made just one start at the World Cup but is in line to start against the Teranga Lions. The Manchester City forward scored in the 3-0 win over Wales in their last group game. Another Manchester City player, Kyle Walker, is pushing for a starting berth against Senegal after proving his fitness with an inspiring performance against Wales.
There has been a clamour for the City forward to get a start, and when he got his opportunity, he did not disappoint. Southgate is under pressure to give Foden another starting berth as they battle with Senegal. Undoubtedly, it will be a massive game, and England needs to be at their best to overcome the physical West African nation.
How will England play against Senegal?
While Southgate is mulling over whether to start Foden, he also has the dilemma of which tactic to use against Senegal. The coach of the Three Lions has to decide whether to stick with a back four or change to a back three, with a win setting up a potential quarter-final date with world champions France.
While Senegal have coped with the absence of Sadio Mane, their manager Aliou Cisse is a doubt for the game as he is down with an illness. Can Senegal do what no African country has managed at the World Cup – beating England? Only time will tell.
John Stones said Foden is a frightening player. According to the City defender, he has never seen a player like Foden at his age.
Stones praised Foden’s football knowledge, freedom in playing and how he expresses himself. He counts himself lucky to have played with Foden.
Southgate could stick to the team that beat Wales 3-0.
