World Cup

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World Cup | Last 16

Dec 4, 2022 at 7pm UK

Al Bayt Stadium

England
3 - 0
Senegal

Henderson (38'), Kane (45+3'), Saka (57')

FT(HT: 2-0)

Koulibaly (76')

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka to start for England against Senegal?

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 04 December 2022

Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka is reportedly set to start for England in their World Cup 2022 last-16 clash with Senegal on Sunday night.

The 21-year-old made his World Cup debut from the first whistle in the Three Lions' opening Group B clash with Iran, during which he produced a man of the match performance.

Saka scored a brace in that 6-2 mauling before holding his place on the right for the showdown with the USA on November 25, but he struggled to replicate his previous showing in that goalless draw and was taken off just after the hour mark.

The Arsenal academy graduate then lost his place in the starting XI for England's final meeting with Wales on Tuesday, with Marcus Rashford given the nod in attack and repaying Gareth Southgate's faith with a brace.

Phil Foden was also brought into the side and scored England's second in that 3-0 win, which confirmed their first-placed finish in Group B, and the two Manchester-based attackers were widely expected to hold their places alongside Harry Kane.

Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring for England on November 21, 2022 © Reuters

However, Sky Sports News reports that Southgate will bring Saka in from the start against the Lions of Teranga, and the Three Lions will continue to line up in their 4-3-3 formation.

As a result, none of Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson or Declan Rice should drop out, meaning that one of Foden or Rashford will be sacrificed to open up a place for Saka's return.

The Arsenal youngster previously dabbled in a left-back spot before cementing his position on the right for the Gunners, and reporter Rob Dorsett believes that his defensive contributions have won Southgate over.

"There's no doubt Saka has been on brilliant form for Arsenal this season. Saka got the nod against Iran and was player of the match," Dorsett told Sky Sports News.

"He brought an energy to that attack, but also with a defensive mindset, and I think that's probably what has got him the nod today. Southgate knows he can rely on Saka to get back if there are any breaks, he has the pace and energy to make sure that happens, because this is going to be an athletic Senegal side."

Bukayo Saka celebrates Arsenal's second goal on August 5, 2022 © Reuters

Saka has enjoyed another productive season in Arsenal colours, recording five goals and six assists in 20 outings as Mikel Arteta's side sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

The 21-year-old now has a total of 28 goals and 35 assists from 151 senior appearances for his boyhood club, and his tally for England stands at six goals and five assists from 22 caps.

Saka placed eighth in the 2022 Kopa Trophy, with compatriot Bellingham finishing fourth, and the duo will form part of a full-strength Three Lions side for Sunday's game.

Southgate has no injury concerns to report ahead of the contest, although Saka's Arsenal teammate Ben White has left the camp due to personal reasons.

The versatile defender's withdrawal was announced on Wednesday evening, and he is not expected to return to the England squad for the remainder of the tournament.