England v Senegal

England eased their way through Group B, despite a substandard performance in their goalless draw against USA. That display sat incongruously between their impressive 6-2 dismantling of Iran in their opening game and Tuesday’s professional 3-0 win against Wales to clinch an expected top spot. With Saka (2), Bellingham, Grealish and Sterling scoring in the opening game, and Rashford (2) and Foden finding the net against Wales, Southgate has an embarrassment of young midfield talent at his disposal, with Harry Kane also champing at the bit to get on the scoresheet.  

England tournament odds: 8/1

Senegal had to work hard to clinch the runner-up spot in Group A, especially after starting their campaign on the back foot when two late Netherlands goals inflicted a 2-0 defeat on the African team. They picked up their obligatory three points against Qatar (3-1) to set up a must-win qualification decider against Ecuador, with Kalidou Koulibaly the Senegal hero, grabbing the crucial winner just three minutes after the Ecuadorians had cancelled out Ismaila Sarr’s first-half penalty.

Senegal tournament odds: 110/1

England and Senegal meet for the first ever time at full international level in what promises to be an intriguing clash of contrasting styles. Senegal have apparently learned how to cope without Sadio Mane, and they have shown enough to suggest that they might be a handful for England’s largely untested defence. That said, at the other end, Gareth Southgate has an enviable surplus of attacking riches who should create enough going forward to outweigh any fears he might have about any defensive vulnerability.

Match Betting Odds: 

England to win: 1/2

Senegal to win: 6/1

Draw: 14/5

Odds correct at time of writing

For up-to-date prices visit Planet Sport Bet