A place in the FIFA World Cup 2022 semi-finals will be up for grabs when England and France face off at the Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday.
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.
Team News & Tactics
England
Leading the way 🫵 pic.twitter.com/n6Fx8wC6us
— England (@England) December 8, 2022
Gareth Southgate has surprised everyone by altering his favourite three-man backline, and he could stick to that against the mighty French. An array of young players might be in play as the England manager could field an unchanged lineup which shrugged off the challenge of Senegal in the last match against France.
Raheem Sterling had to return to England for personal reasons, but he could join the squad. Declan Rice missed the training due to an illness, but he will be fit in time for this crucial clash.
Jordan Pickford has had a decent tournament so far, snuffing out dangers on a number of occasions. And the England no. 1 will be again in between the sticks against France. Harry Maguire’s Manchester United woes have not affected his England place so far, and he will be at the heart of the defence alongside John Stones.
Luke Shaw has been given the license to help his fellow attackers down the left channel, and he might have a few tricks left up his sleeve. Kyle Walker has been the preferred choice on the right side of the defence, and he will continue his errands.
Jude Bellingham made all the difference as he pulled the strings all over the field in their win against Senegal. England found an unlikely goalscorer in Jordan Henderson, and the Bellingham-Henderson pair would work with Declan Rice in the middle of the pitch.
Bukayo Saka is adamant to leave his Euro 2020 nightmare behind, and the Arsenal talisman will be stationed on the right wing. Phil Foden will get to play a role from the left side while Harry Kane will start up front.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Henderson, Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Kane, Foden
France
Hugo Lloris has had an error-free World Cup so far to some extent, and he needs that to carry on in the next match too. Raphael Varane has remained fit despite his injury scare for Manchester United just before the World Cup.
And the 2018 champions will pair Varane up with Dayot Upamecano in the heart of the backline. Jules Kounde has done a brilliant job as the makeshift right-back, while Theo Hernandez will deputise in the absence of his brother Lucas.
📸 Entraînement J-2 🏴🇫🇷#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/hbTwJz0T9X
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) December 8, 2022
Adrien Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni have held the fort pretty firm in the midfield. Meanwhile, Antoine Griezmann sometimes drops much deeper from his number 10 position to dictate the attack.
Kylian Mbappe always aims to push higher with his lightning pace, and Ousmane Dembele has tried to offer a different dimension from the right wing. Olivier Giroud’s aerial prowess is a considerable weapon for France, and the AC Milan striker knows how to deal with his markers very well.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Lloris; Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, Theo Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud
Key Stats
- England have emerged victorious in the last two meetings with France in the World Cup.
- France’s last defeat came way back in 2015 and since then they haven’t lost to their European archrivals.
- England have seen themselves eliminated from this point of stage six times in the last eight occasions.
- Gareth Southgate could become the first manager to accomplish two semifinal appearances for England if they manage to get the better of the French team.
Player to Watch
Kylian Mbappe
Most of France’s attacks havr come through Kylian Mbappe, who has been a livewire on the pitch. The PSG attacker has lived up to the expectations once again, and Didier Deschamps will be putting his stake heavily on him.
France have looked more dangerous from the left side, and England manager Gareth Southgate needs to chalk out a plan to stop the Mbappe wagon wheel.
Prediction
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.
