Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Senegal: Three players England must be wary of in World Cup clash including Chelsea star
Senegal will play England in the World Cup round of 16.
Senegal train ahead of World Cup clash against England
Senegal will be England’s opponent in the World Cup round of 16 clash after coming second in Group A. Despite talisman Sadio Mane missing the tournament with injury, the African nation, captained by Chelsea star Kalidou Koulibaly will be no easy task for Gareth Southgate’s men. Here Express Sport looks at the three players the Three Lions must keep a particularly close eye on as they look to book their place in the quarter-finals.
Kalidou Koulibaly
Senegal’s skipper is the beating heart of the side and it was his goal that sent his nation through to the knockout stages. The six-foot-five Chelsea centre-back is a real threat at set pieces and John Stones and Harry Maguire will have their work cut out trying to mark him.
The 31-year-old is also his team’s figurehead in defence and will be relishing the battle against Harry Kane. Whoever comes out on top between the two skippers could well win the match for their nation.
Ismaila Sarr
The Watford star was the other Senegal scorer in the crucial 2-1 win over Ecuador and the winger will once again be looking to find the net against England. He won and scored a penalty towards the end of the first half to set his side on his way with the South American defence unable to deal with him.
There is greater pressure and expectation on the 24-year-old following Mane’s injury and his pace will give Luke Shaw real problems. Liverpool fans will still remember his sensational performance against them in 2020 which ended the club’s long unbeaten run and he will be looking for a similar performance against England.
READ MORE: Liverpool have four realistic buyers ready should FSG sanction full sale
Boulaye Dia
Dia is Senegal’s first choice No 9 and is the man the nation will look to in front of goal. While Sarr has taken Mane’s mantle, the 26-year-old has been tasked with leading the line and has worked tirelessly in the press.
For all his efforts the striker has scored just one goal in Qatar so far and will feel he is due another against England. His role is two-fold, he will be expected to occupy the Three Lions' defence to create space for the likes of Sarr while also getting on the end of anything they create.
DON'T MISS
Chelsea blow as new £60m signing talks up prospect of returning to old club
Mudryk drops another Arsenal hint by giving verdict on three players
Wales 'shamed British football' as Gareth Bale destroyed after England defeat
Think you can predict the World Cup Golden Boot Winner? If so you could WIN £150 in Nike vouchers! CLICK HERE