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Former England international Andros Townsend has picked his Three Lions starting XI to take on Senegal on Sunday.

England have been drawn to face the African nation in the 2022 World Cup Round of 16. It comes after Gareth Southgate’s side topped Group B, with Senegal coming second in Group A.

And Everton winger Townsend, who made 13 appearances for England between 2013 and 2016, has chosen his favoured Three Lions team for the match, as reported by the Mirror.

Saka over Foden for England?

Contents

1 Saka over Foden for England?
- 1.1 Townsend wants Henderson’s experience in midfield
  - 1.1.1 England face ‘really tough’ test against Senegal

Explaining how difficult a decision Southgate faces, the Everton player said that the heroics of Marcus Rashford against Wales should be rewarded.

The Manchester United forward netted twice in the 3-0 victory. And while Phil Foden was also on target, Townsend would opt for Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka in his front three.

“To be honest, I don’t envy Gareth Southgate on Sunday,” said Townsend. “He has to leave out some seriously good players for Sunday’s win-or-go-home game against Senegal. And it is too close to call.

“With a heavy heart, I’d stick with Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka. Before you come for me, I agree – Phil Foden is a superb player. He came in, grabbed his goal and was every inch what you expect from him.

“But Saka was sensational against Iran, he’ll be fresher after sitting out the Wales win and Foden can take advantage of tired legs late on.”

Townsend wants Henderson’s experience in midfield

The Everton winger added that there would be starts for Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in midfield against Senegal. Bellingham has impressed massively in the tournament so far, and got on the scoresheet in the opening win against Iran.

Chelsea’s Mason Mount would, therefore, be left out, with Townsend saying: “With Mason you need his work rate against the top nations.

“But I really like the look of Bellingham in a free role. Let him roam off the left, off the right, dropping deep to get the ball. That will unlock another level to his already outstanding game.

“As for Jordan, I’d want his experience. Against Wales you could hear him in every situation making sure people were doing their jobs and praising people for doing well defensively.

“You need someone like that if you’re going to go far in an international tournament.”

England

England face ‘really tough’ test against Senegal

Noting his punditry work throughout the 2022 World Cup so far, Townsend explained that England face a really difficult challenge on Sunday.

Senegal came second in Group A behind the Netherlands, having lost to the group winners but having defeated both Qatar and Ecuador.

“I covered Senegal’s win over Ecuador and let me tell you – England are going to have a really tough game on Sunday,” said Townsend.

“Even allowing for the fact that the African champions have Idrissa Gueye suspended and Sadio Mane, of course, not part of the squad in Qatar, they have shown they can be a problem.”

“Ismaila Sarr can play off the right or the left. Iliman Ndiaye knows where the goal is and so does Chelsea’s central defender Kalidou Koulibaly.”

Townsend’s England team to face Senegal (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Henderson, Rice; Rashford, Bellingham, Saka; Kane.