England will face World Cup holders France in the 2022 World Cup Quarter-Final this Saturday following on from their impressive 3-0 victory over Senegal in the Round of 16.
The reigning world champions have been in great form in the early stages of this World Cup campaign, winning their group with two wins from a possible three with their only loss coming against Tunisia (a shock victory nevertheless).
With a squad packed with superstars England will need to be at their defensive best if they are to make it to the World Cup semi-finals for a second consecutive World Cup.
France’s Starman Kylian Mbappe has been in fantastic form this campaign too, the 23-year-old is currently the competition’s top goalscorer with five goals in four matches, and stopping him will be the key to victory.
England’s World Cup campaign hasn’t gone too bad either, the three lions also topped their group remaining unbeaten in the process, a 3-0 victory against neighbours Wales enough to see England progress into the round of 16.
In the round of 16, it was more of the same from England, as Gareth Southgate’s men cruised to a 3-0 against Senegal yesterday, thanks to goals from Jordan Henderson, Bukayo Saka and captain Harry Kane.
Speaking about the prospect of facing France at the World Cup England manager Gareth Southgate had this to say: “They’re world champions with an incredible depth of talent and outstanding individual players. They’re very difficult to play against and score goals against, so it’s a fantastic challenge and a brilliant game to prepare for.”
“It’s a great game to be involved with and to test ourselves against the very best.”
It isn’t just the England manager who was full of praise of the players at France’s disposal former England coach and player Gary Neville also had his say:
“I don’t think the lads will be able to wait for it. This is a game we can lose we know that they are world champions and fantastic team. I always think you can go and enjoy games like this as there is less pressure than playing against Senegal. As if you get knocked out there, all hell breaks loose.”
“If you lose on Saturday, unless it’s a shambles, which it won’t be, you are going to come out of the tournament getting a par. Going out in the second round is a bogey, the semi-finals are a birdie and the final is an eagle. And winning it will be an albatross.”
England vs France kicks off at 7 pm this Saturday, live on BBC and ITV respectfully, will England make it to another final? We will have to wait and see.
