Bukayo Saka is able to start England’s last-16 World Cup battle with Senegal; the forward was rested for the last word Group B match in opposition to Wales, the place Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford scored; Gareth Southgate is prepared to stick with the 4-3-3 formation that served him properly throughout the group ranges.
Bukayo Saka is England’s solely change for his or her World Cup last-16 sport with Senegal, whereas Raheem Sterling shall be absent from the squad ensuing from a ‘family matter’.
Saka scored twice in England’s World Cup opening group-stage 6-2 win in opposition to Iran, nevertheless dropped out for his or her closing group match with Wales – with Marcus Rashford netting a brace in his absence.
The 21-year-old winger will make his sixth occasion start in opposition to Senegal, alongside together with his latest look matching the three he made at Euro 2020 ultimate summer season season.
England have launched Sterling – who was moreover dropped for the win over Wales – will not be present on the Al Bayt Stadium, as he is dealing with a personal matter.
England starting line-up: Pickford, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw, Rice, Bellingham, Mount, Saka, Kane, Foden.
Subs: Pope, Ramsdale, Coady, Dier, Trippier, Alexander-Arnold, Henderson, Phillips, Gallagher, Maddison, Grealish, Rashford, Wilson.
Carra: Saka change displays energy in depth
“What Southgate has obtained alongside together with his 4 massive forwards – Rashford and Foden having fun with the ultimate sport with Saka and Sterling having fun with the two video video games sooner than – I don’t assume there’s an unlimited distinction with what he goes with.
“The precise reality he can chop and alter displays how rather a lot energy in depth he’s obtained in these massive areas. I merely felt that Foden and Rashford had been the right ones to go along with, just because that they had been so assured throughout the ultimate sport, nevertheless then as soon as extra you go to the first sport and likewise you contemplate how good Sterling and Saka had been in that Iran sport.
“I’m not shocked or surprised with what he does throughout the massive areas because of we now have acquired rather a lot prime quality there. It’s the one house throughout the squad the place there’s precise rivals for places.”
Defensive mindset the reason?
“There isn’t a doubt Saka has been on wise sort for Arsenal this season. Saka obtained the nod in opposition to Iran and was participant of the match. He launched an vitality to that assault, however as well as with a defensive midnset, and I really feel that’s possibly what has obtained him the nod in the intervening time.
“Southgate is conscious of he can rely on Saka to get once more if there are any breaks, he has the tempo and vitality to make it doable for happens, because of that’s going to be an athletic Senegal facet.
“Nevertheless, it is a gigantic title.”
England’s potential path to the World Cup closing
Spherical of 16 – Sunday December 4
England vs Senegal – Kick-off 7pm
Quarter-finals – Saturday December 10
England vs France or Poland – Kick-off 7pm
Semi-finals – Wednesday December 14
England vs Morocco/Spain/Portugal/Switzerland – Kick-off 7pm
Ultimate-16 fixtures
Saturday December 3
Netherlands 3-1 USA
Argentina 2-1 Australia
Sunday December 4
France (Winners of Group D) vs Poland (Runners-up of Group C) – Kick-off 3pm
England (Winners of Group B) vs Senegal (Runners-up of Group A) – Kick-off 7pm
Monday December 5
Japan (Cinners of Group E) vs Croatia (Runners-up of Group F) – Kick-off 3pm
Brazil (Winners of Group G) vs South Korea (Runners-up of Group H) – Kick-off 7pm
Tuesday December 6
Morocco (Winners of Group F) vs Spain (Runners-up of Group E) – Kick-off 3pm
Portugal (Winners of Group H) vs Switzerland (Runners-up of Group G) – Kick-off 7pm