There is no doubt England will enter their World Cup knockout game against Senegal as favourites, but the African champions should provide a stern test on Sunday evening.
They have shown over the last few years that they are no pushover at international level, even if they will be missing their star man in Sadio Mane. They will certainly put up a strong fight and make Gareth Southgate's side earn the result.
Despite this, some are already booking England's place in the quarter-finals.
Gary Lineker has arrogant approach to Senegal game
If England do beat Senegal, they look likely to meet France in the quarter-finals. It seems many already have their eye on that fixture despite not getting beyond the last 16 yet.
Speaking on the BBC, Gary Lineker suggested that England should rest Kyle Walker this weekend in order to ensure he is fresh when he marks Kylian Mbappe in the next round. That is despite the fact that they haven't gotten that far in the tournament yet.
🗣 "Kyle Walker is probably the only full-back on the planet that can compete with Kylian Mbappe."@GaryLineker says Gareth Southgate should rest Kyle Walker against Senegal.
Agree? 🤔#BBCWorldCup #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/FfVTyj0qTX— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 2, 2022
Kyle Walker should not be in England's team to play Senegal.
I'll tell you why, England cannot afford for Kyle Walker to get injured. He is just about the only fullback on the planet that can compete with Kylian Mbappe. That is the entire French team.
Why would you take the risk of him getting injured, particularly in that position.
I don't want to be arrogant and say we are taking Senegal for granted, but given the right backs England have, you have Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kieran Trippier who are two wonderful players, why would you risk Walker?
Lineker may claim that he is not trying to be arrogant, but it is difficult to take this statement in any other way.
Many viewers, including England fans, were not impressed with his suggestion.
This is why everyone hates us. Senegal are not going to roll over, it’s not a straightforward knockout tie. It’s very close to call and you’re already talking about France? Arrogant in the extreme.
— Boro Memories (@boro_memories) December 2, 2022
England talking already as if they’ve already beat Senegal smh https://t.co/VRbEOqQfUM
— Nxdif (@Nxdif) December 2, 2022
There's no way we're looking past Senegal already.... I know how this one goes https://t.co/TNZSQsjMVo
— 👤 (@fvilz) December 2, 2022
Rest? As in you’re sure of qualifying? https://t.co/P8WWqzOeSP
— Contraband (@N_Kelechi) December 2, 2022
This is why nobody likes the english media they always come too cocky, Need too give Senegal some respect first 🤦🏻♀️ https://t.co/qROhF6vqOk
— Ciara 🫶🏻 (@CiaraOh8) December 2, 2022
Already onto how they will beat France. Absolutely delusional cretins. Why they are hated. https://t.co/0Ge2p5gvVc
— Dazza (@Denzl67) December 2, 2022
I hope Senegal upsets them, the arrogance to be already picking a squad for the game after that. https://t.co/sQiukd1kQA
— Victor Tsado (@VTsado19) December 2, 2022
Of course, England have been guilty of underestimating opponents at major tournaments in the past, often with disastrous consequences.
They may be the favourites against Senegal, but an attitude such as this one will do them no favours.
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