// Adds dimensions UUID, Author and Topic into GA4
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
27.2 C
Singapore
type here...
England's forward Marcus Rashford takes part in a training session at Al Wakrah SC Stadium in Al Wakrah, south of Doha, on December 1, 2022, during the Qatar 2022 World Cup football tournament. (Photo by Nicolas TUCAT / AFP)
Sports
1 min.Read

England wary of African champs

Suresh Nair
By Suresh Nair

THE serious guessing game starts as to who Gareth Southgate names ahead of England’s World Cup round of 16 clash with African champions Senegal.

The Three Lions (England’s nickname) finished top of Group ‘B’ after recording a draw with the USA and two thumping wins over Iran and Wales.

For the Monday 3.00am clash, certainly all eyes will be on Manchester United ace striker Marcus Rashford, who bagged a brace in the 3-0 win over Wales to add to the goal he scored against Iran. This makes him the current World Cup’s joint-top scorer.

NO FAVOURITES

“At this knockout stage, anything can happen, there are no distinct favourites,” said Southgate. “If the match ends in a draw, it goes to mandatory penalty-kicks to decide the winner.”

Should England get over Senegal, a quarter-final date with reigning world champion France or Poland awaits.

Southgate warned: “This has been a tournament full of unexpected results, even the underdogs are making their mark with gutsy performances. I know Senegal never gives up easily and  definitely cannot be under-estimated.”

If I’ve to stick my neck out, I will go for a very close-call win for England. 

Now the ball is in your court: What’s your pick for this England-Senegal match?

* Suresh Nair is an award-winning sports journalist who is also a qualified international coach and international referee instructor

Google News Follow Google News WhatsApp Join us on WhatsApp Telegram Follow us on Telegram

Hot this week

In the Hood

‘Cash Only… No Lah, No Now, No CDC’ — Singapore woman, 85, says her stall customers scold her because she only accepts cash

An elderly stall owner’s unusual “cash only” sign reflects the challenges some older hawkers face as cashless payments become part of daily life
Domestic Helpers

Employer says helper wants out months into two-year contract: ‘Now, if I want another maid, I have to pay again’

The employer said the helper gave different reasons for wanting to leave, including family problems in the Philippines.

Popular Categories

Singapore NewsFeatured NewsSG EconomySingapore PoliticsLifestyleCelebrityIn the Hood
document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", () => { const trigger = document.getElementById("ads-trigger"); if ('IntersectionObserver' in window && trigger) { const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, observer) => { entries.forEach(entry => { if (entry.isIntersecting) { lazyLoader(); // You should define lazyLoader() elsewhere or inline here observer.unobserve(entry.target); // Run once } }); }, { rootMargin: '800px', threshold: 0.1 }); observer.observe(trigger); } else { // Fallback setTimeout(lazyLoader, 3000); } });

The Independent SG

Also Visit

Social Media

© The Independent Singapore

// //
Enable Notifications OK No thanks