Senegal World Cup 2022 squad, predicted line-up versus England and star players

Edouard Mendy is the number one choice between the sticks for Senegal. Although he looked vulnerable against the Netherlands he is their best goalkeeper.

He has a special place in the hearts of Senegal fans after his heroics in the AFCON final and the World Cup qualifier against Egypt.

Rennes' Alfred Gomis, meanwhile, is a solid back-up choice and did well against Bolivia in September. Seny Dieng also boasts a safe pair of hands.

Cisse sets his team up with a four-man backline and usually sticks to a set of trusted personnel.

Skipper Kalidou Koulibaly and RB Leipzig's Abdou Diallo are seemingly the two preferred centre-backs, as the pair started the last two matches. However, Papa Abou Cisse is another potential starter alongside Koulibaly. Meanwhile, Formose Mendy of Amiens is a versatile option who can play as a centre-back and also in the right-back position. This provides competition to natural right-back Youssouf Sabaly of Real Betis, who has been the first-choice so far, particularly with Bayern Munich's Bouna Sarr unavailable due to injury.

Ismail Jakobs of Monaco and Fode Ballo-Toure of Milan are the regular left-back options.

Cisse is flexible enough to try out various options in midfield. Sometimes it is a three-man bank, on some occasions it can be a traditional four, and at times even five bodies are deployed in the centre of the park.

Idrissa Gueye is an undisputed starter. To add steel, Nampalys Mendy and Nottingham Forest's Cheikhou Kouyate are being used as a double pivot.

Tottenham's Pape Matar Sarr is another potential option who adds composure and stability in midfield.

Senegal were dealt a major blow when star player Sadio Mane was ruled out of the World Cup due to injury after suffering a knee problem on club duty with Bayern.

That means they will be relying on other options up top instead, with Ismalia Sarr of Watford being an explosive option out wide who can tear up defences with his pace. He scored against Ecuador from the spot and will be full of confidence heading into the knockouts.

Meanwhile, Boulaye Dia of Salernitana is entrusted with the responsibility of being the target man up front who has also scored in the World Cup.

There are a few other options as well in Bamba Dieng and Nicolas Jackson, who add depth to the squad.

Kalidou Koulibaly is undoubtedly the talisman of this team. In the absence of Sadio Mane, he has shown leadership skills and will be required to put his best foot forward against England to stop the likes of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. He also got a crucial goal against Ecuador which was his first-ever for his country and that could not have come at a better time.

In attack, Ismalia Sarr has been the livewire for the  Lions of Teranga. His searing pace has made him a defender's nightmare and his battle with the England full-back will be one to savour.

Cisse is likely to set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation against England.

Chelsea goalkeeper Mendy will start in goal, in front of a back four comprising of Sabaly, Koulibaly, Diallo, and Jakobs.

In midfield, Pape Gueye, and Pathe Ciss should play as the two defensive midfielders.

Diatta could potentially operate on the right flank, with Sarr on the left and Gueye through the middle. Dia should be the centre-forward.

Senegal XI (4-2-3-1): Mendy; Sabaly, Koulibaly, Diallo, Jakobs; Pape Gueye, Ciss; Diatta, Idrissa Gueye, Ismalia Sarr; Dia