A place in the semi-finals will be at stake when the England push themselves up against the reigning champions France at the Al Bayt Stadium. Both teams have had their fair share of opportunities, and it could turn out to be a battle of the best.
England have suffered many heartbreaks at this stage of this particular tournament, and their pre-World Cup form would have suggested the same. But Gareth Southgate has managed to put a handbrake to all that circumstances as his team has outclassed all their opponents so far.
They did have some awkward moments as Senegal pressed hard on them. And their next opponent would take great note of that. France have set up a strong show so far, but their reliance on Kylian Mbappe might hurt them to some extent if England somehow figure out how to stop his juggernaut.
Mbappe has been a rage since announcing his arrival on this very same stage four years ago. And he could recapture that authority if Les Bleus are to defend their crown with utmost success. It could be a war between France’s attack and England’s defence. And the likes of Harry Maguire and John Stones might have a pivotal role to play for.
Player to Watch
Kylian Mbappe
Most of France’s attacks havr come through Kylian Mbappe, who has been a livewire on the pitch.
Jude Bellingham
The youngster has been wonderful for his country so far. You should look out for him
Predictions
England 1-2 France
Both sides have a wonderful pool of talents. But France do have a definite edge over England due to a certain Kylian Mbappe. The Three Lions’ defence almost crumbled against pressure in the last match, and a player like Mbappe needs no invitation to get on it. The Hard Tackle predicts a hard-fought contest that should end with France eking out a narrow win over England. And Les Bleus will then set up a semi-final date against the winner of the game between Morocco and Portugal.
1. This will be the third World Cup meeting between England and France, with the Three Lions winning both of the previous two, a 2-0 victory in 1966 and 3-1 in 1982, both in the group stage.
2. France have only lost one of their last eight meetings with England across all competitions (W5 D2), a 2-0 defeat in a friendly in November 2015. This is the two nations’ first encounter since June 2017, when Les Bleus won a friendly 3-2.
3. England have been eliminated from six of their last eight World Cup knockout matches against fellow European nations. By contrast, France have progressed from eight of their last 10 World Cup knockout matches against European opposition (includes third-place play-off and final).
4. France will be the first reigning champions to participate in the quarter-final of the World Cup since Brazil in 2006. France have won three games at the 2022 World Cup so far, while that Brazil team from 2006 (4) are the only reigning champions to have won more in a single tournament this century.
5. Gareth Southgate is looking to become the first England manager to guide the nation to two World Cup semi-finals, having reached the final four in 2018. The Three Lions’ only other two semi-final appearances at the finals came under Alf Ramsey in 1966 and Bobby Robson in 1990.