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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
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Samuel Luckhurst & Liam Corless & Joe Bray & Steven Railston

How England should line up vs Senegal in World Cup fixture with Manchester United and Man City players

England play Senegal in the round of 16 of the World Cup at the Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday evening.

The Three Lions had the best record of any team at the tournament after the three group games, as they defeated Iran and Wales and drew with the United States of America while scoring nine goals and conceding just two in those matches.

England comfortably won Group B and they will now take on Senegal for a place in the quarter-finals at the World Cup.

ALSO READ: Stones backs ‘terrific’ Maguire to continue resurgence at United

Gareth Southgate has no injury concerns and multiple players from Manchester United and Manchester City are set to feature.

Here's how our writers think England should start:

Joe Bray

The back four and front three should remain unchanged from the Wales win, and Southgate should resist the temptation to switch to three centre-backs for now. At the Euros he changed formation for the last 16, but Senegal are beatable with a 4-3-3 formation, and England could do with another body in midfield.

Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford have to start after their second-half performances vs Wales, and they were more effective with Foden left and Rashford right. In the second half, there's the likes of Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling to come off the bench to change things up if needed.

The only dilemma is who partners Declan Rice. Jordan Henderson was an unpopular choice last time out but does fulfil a useful role, even if it's a bit negative. I was impressed with Kalvin Phillips off the bench on Tuesday, and he works well with Rice. The City man can offer the defensive protection Henderson does, but also help link with the forward line - a dynamic that could be worth the risk.

Steven Railston

Kyle Walker didn't put a foot wrong against Wales and he should start again here, as his pace could be important, which it certainly will be if England progress to the quarter-finals and take on France, who have the electric Kylian Mbappe.

Stones and Maguire have been outstanding together and they should continue their partnership. Rice, Bellingham and Mount seem the most balanced midfield trio for the knockout stages and the latter needs to deliver in this fixture.

Mount underwhelmed in the group matches but his energy should get England up the pitch against Senegal. Rashford has momentum and he's unstoppable with such confidence while Foden also scored against Wales and must play again.

Liam Corless

Sky are reporting that Bukayo Saka will come back into the team but there is no reason to change the team that won handsomely against Wales.

Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden both scored and it would send the wrong message to drop one or both of them back out of the team. If one of them is to drop out, there is a stronger case for Southgate to restore Saka to the team than Sterling, who has been out form for much of the season.

Jordan Henderson's presence alongside Declan Rice in midfield has improved England and he deserves to keep his place.

Samuel Luckhurst

Southgate made the right changes against Wales and there is little reason to change against Senegal. Bukayo Saka could feel hard done by if he is not recalled but England have to accommodate Foden and Bellingham, and if that means sacrificing a winger then so be it.

The back four of Walker, Stones, Maguire and Shaw is England's best. Kieran Trippier deserved to start the tournament, did little and it was logical to recall Walker for the stroll against Wales.

Henderson is not necessarily a midfielder to see England through to the final but he offers balance and guidance and should suffice against Senegal. One of the few positives from the goalless draw with the United States is Southgate dropped the overrated Mason Mount and there is little reason to reintroduce him from the start, whatever the formation.

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