2022 FIFA World Cup: England vs Senegal — Preview, Team News, Kickoff Time, Probable XI, TV Channels to watch and more

Call it the clash of supremacy; as Sunday's Round of 16 encounter features two teams whose forms have skyrocketed with England's current form set to be put into effect as they go toe-to-toe with Senegal, vying for a spot in the World Cup quater-finals at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor tonight (Sunday).

As dangerous as The Three Lions have looked, however, they kept their foot on the gas in their last group game against Wales, while Senegal was able to go neck-to-neck with Ecuador. Maybe the Lions of Teranga form will pull a string and gift the English some heart wrenching surprise.

Gareth Southgate and his charges have some sought of track record to back hopes of winning this years mundial since 1966, althogh they falling short on home soil at last year's Euro's.

Now set to meet Group A runners-up Senegal at the retractable roof stadium, England have yet to lose in 20 matches against African side's, so Southgate's current men will start as favourites to progress tonight.

Despite their unfruitful appearances of claiming a first global title since 1966, England have also acquired plenty of tournament experience over the past few years, so will start off their last-16 match bursting of incessant confidence.

Even if they are missing their most priced asset - Sadio Mane, this is a big moment for Senegal not to lack in this all important and most precious clash, as they arrived in Qatar as African champions and have since scaled their safe passage to the knockout stage for just a second time.

Senegal boss Aliou Cisse is heavily supported by assistant El Hadji Diouf - another hero of Senegal's legendary 2002 campaign - now aims to lead his nation into the quarter-finals; perhaps setting up an emotional re-match with France, who they crashed in the finals' opening game 20 years ago.

While African teams have lost eight of nine World Cup knockout matches against European opponents to date - the sole exception being a Senegalese win over Sweden - if it comes to spot-kicks the Lions of Teranga could therefore hold a clen-cut edge over their English counterparts, who have most often seen shootouts result in painful defeat.

TEAM NEWS

The Three Lions boss, Gareth Southgate will consider weaving back Kieran Trippier, Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling to the lineup tonight, but there remains a possibility of switching from a back four to a flexible three-man defence.

Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham - who became the second-youngest English player to reach 20 senior caps in their last match against Wales - should join Declan Rice and Henderson in a central-midfield trio. Both Kalvin Phillips and James Maddison remain short of full fitness.

Captain Harry Kane - Russia 2018 World Cup Golden Boot winner - still seeks his first goal at this year's tourney, and will once more lead the English up front.

Meanwhile, Senegal must make their attempt to reach the final eight not only without injured talisman Sadio Mane but also his former club rival on Merseyside, Everton's Idrissa Gueye.

The midfield workhorse is suspended after receiving a second booking of the finals versus Ecuador, while Cheikhou Kouyate sustained an ankle injury in their first fixture and has since been ruled out of training. Nampalys Mendy of Leicester City should therefore deputise.

In Mane's glaring absence, Watford winger Ismaila Sarr and Sheffield United's Iliman Ndiaye have picked up the slack - Famara Diedhiou and Krepin Diatta are also contenders to feature on Sunday - with Salernitana striker Boulaye Dia providing the central goal threat.

Senegal must, however, avoid to totally fall asleep late in the game as their defense hasn't looked great at times during dying embers of matches.

PROBABLE XI

England: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Henderson, Bellingham; Saka, Kane, Foden

Senegal: E. Mendy; Sabaly, Koulibaly, Diallo, Jakobs; P. Gueye, N. Mendy, Ciss; Ndiaye, Dia, I. Sarr

MATCH OFFICIALS

Center Referee: Ivan Arcides Barton Cisneros (El Salvador)

Assistant 1: David Jonathan Moran Santos (El Salvador) 

Assistant 2: Kathryn Nesbitt (United States)

Fourth Official: Said Martinez (Honduras)

Reserve assistant referee: Helpys Raymundo Feliz (Dominican Republic)

Video Assistant Referee: Drew Fischer (Canada)

Assistant Video Assistant Referees: Armando Villarreal (United States), Corey Parker (United States), Nicolas Gallo (Colombia)

Stand-by assistant video assistant referee: Kyle Atkins (United States)

CHANNEL: Kickgh.com, StarTimes, GTVSports+, Globe TV, ETV, SuperSport,

KICKOFF: 19:00 GMT (7:00pm)

By: Pascal Nii Gogo Amoah