Aliou Cisse Tactics Backfired Against Senegal

In an effort to restrict England, Senegal coach Aliou Cisse decided to switch from his tried-and-true 4-3-3 to a more defensive 4-4-2, but it backfired after holding on for more than 30 minutes.

After 38 minutes, match-winning player Jude Bellingham found an open Jordan Henderson in the box, and the Liverpool captain swept home the opening goal. On the verge of the break, the Three Lions increased their lead when Harry Kane scored a goal past Edouard Mendy after the midfielder for Borussia Dortmund had gained control and passed to Phil Foden.

After Foden found him in space in the box, Bukayo Saka dinked over Mendy to seal the outcome 12 minutes after halftime.

The worst was saved for last for Senegal, who was handily defeated 3-0 by England in the round of 16. When compared to their efforts in the group stage, the Teranga Lions were a distant second for the majority of the match.

Senegal’s defensive strategy needs to be discussed more since, given how well England attacked, it was ineffective.

Senegal struggled in their new formation as Kane, who was crucial to England’s attacking movements, frequently dragged captain Kalidou Koulibaly out of place, allowing Henderson and Bellingham to advance.

Senegal enjoyed a 20-minute stretch during which they should have taken the lead, but Dia missed from close range. After then, English traffic was only going one way.

Senegal’s aspirations to emulate the Class of 2002 are dashed as they exit the tournament in the round of 16.

While Kyle Walker kept a tight eye on Ismaila Sarr, who had been the most impressive player for Senegal during the group stages, he rarely had a chance to score.

The Teranga Lions sorely missed Sadio Mane, the top player for Bayern Munich, as well as midfielders Idrissa Gueye and Cheikhou Kouyate, who were absent due to suspension and injury, respectively. The gap in level between the two teams was evident.