Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is expected to be in line for a recall from the bench by Gareth Southgate to start England's World Cup last-16 clash with Senegal. Saka was replaced by Manchester City forward Phil Foden for the Three Lions final group game clash against Wales after starting the two previous fixtures.
Both Saka and Chelsea star Raheem Sterling began England's campaign on the wings, with Southgate opting to use both for England's first two fixtures. Their respective involvements, a goal for Sterling and a brace for Saka, saw them keep their place for the match against the USA, but they were dropped against Wales.
Marcus Rashford and Foden came in for the final group game and both scored and played well, leaving Southgate with a challenging decision to make over who he starts against Senegal later today (Sunday).
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The decision regarding Foden and Saka seems to be the one dominating the headlines, with Rashford's place perhaps more assured given he is the joint-top scorer at the tournament with three goals. Former England international Wayne Rooney has had his say on the wide duo he thinks Southgate should start with, suggesting an unchanged line up from the Wales game would be the right move.
Sky Sports News are now reporting that Saka will start against Senegal, which will mean one of Rashford or Foden will likely have to settle for a place on the bench. With Rashford considered more as a left-sided forward, Foden would be the expected player to miss out if the Arsenal man does feature from the off.
Sky Sports News' senior reporter Melissa Reddy, live from Qatar, also spoke on the situation surrounding Saka, suggesting it was perhaps always the plan.
"Despite all the talk of an unchanged line-up, Saka is set to start," she said. "So one of Phil Foden or Marcus Rashford is expected to miss out. The fact Saka was rested in the last game, perhaps means this was always planned.
"That leaves a talking point over what Southgate will do elsewhere in attack. Foden and Rashford both offer something different - Rashford is direct but Foden's grace and dynamism on the ball was on show against Wales. But I don't think there will be many complaints about Saka's inclusion."
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