England’s boss Gareth Southgate has admitted that France could pose the biggest challenge for them in their quarterfinal clash of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022. England booked their quarterfinal berth after beating Senegal by 3-0.
The Three Lions registered a convincing win against the African nation after Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane, and Bokayo Saka scored for the team at the Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday.
England had won two matches in the group stage and had shared the spoils against the USA.
On the other hand, France looks like a team to beat in this World Cup. Didier Deschamps’ team won against Poland by 3-1 in the Round-of-16 match on Sunday after Kylian Mbappe scored a brace.
Oliver Giroud had opened the scoring for Les Blues and had become France’s leading goal-scorer (52), going past Thierry Henry. Furthermore, France is the reigning champions and they are coming up with collective efforts.
Southgate said: “In terms of France, it’s the biggest test we could face. “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.”
Meanwhile, Argentina will take on the Netherlands in the other quarterfinals.
Southgate said, “The two quarter-finals that are already in place are historic rivalries.
“It’s a great game to be involved with and to test ourselves against the very best.”
Moreover, Kylian Mbappe scored a brace against Poland and Southgate was full of praise for the 23-year-old youngster.
Southgate said: “He’s a world-class player and has already delivered big moments in this tournament and in previous tournaments.”
Southgate also showered praise on Antonio Griezmann and Oliver Giroud, who both have been consistent for France.
“I think [Antoine] Griezmann now has over 70 consecutive games for France and I think he’s also a phenomenal player.
“We know Olivier Giroud so well and they also have outstanding young midfield players. Everywhere you look, when we’re studying France at every age group, they have incredible depth of talent at every position.”
