Jack87 news today, asianbookie Gareth Southgate admits England face the “biggest test” of their World Cup ambitions when they face defending champions France in Saturday’s blockbuster quarter-final.
Southgate’s side bounced back from a tense start before beating Senegal 3-0 in their last-16 tie at the Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday.
England return to the boda8 Desert of Hall at the weekend for a close showdown with France, looking to become the first side to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
England looked impressive after Jordan Henderson led them ahead of Senegal, while Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka were also in the net against the African champions, but Southgate knows that the Didier Deschamps’ side have taken a big step up their class.
“It’s the biggest test we could possibly face boda8 malaysia. They are world champions with unbelievable talent and fantastic players. They are difficult to play against and score,” Southgate said.
“It’s an amazing challenge. It’s a historic rivalry against the great games of the past. It’s a great game for us to be in and take on the best.”
Driven by Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe, France beat Poland 3-1 in the round of 16, just hours before England joined them in the quarter-finals.
Mbappe scored twice against Poland and has now hit five in competition this year.
“Mbappe is of course a world-class player. He has produced big moments in this game and in previous games,” Southgate said.
“Griezmann is also a phenomenon, we know Olivier Giroud very well and they have great midfielders. It’s a big test, but we’re really looking forward to it.”
England captain Harry Kane agreed with Southgate’s enthusiastic assessment of France, saying: “Saturday is going to be a very difficult night. France are a great team. They are defending champions.
“If you want to win the World Cup, you have to play against the best teams in the world and France is definitely one of them.”
“something special”
While England have good reason to fear France, Southgate could fight back by pointing to his side’s gradual return to form as they enter the commercial stages of the Championship.
England have scored 12 goals in four games at this year’s World Cup, the joint most for any country in a single major tournament.
Key to England’s victory over Senegal was Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Bellingham became the first teenager with an assist in a World Cup knockout since Henderson’s opener in 1966.
The 19-year-old was also involved in Kane’s goal and proved the catalyst for England’s best moment to turn things around after their start in Senegal.
Southgate said of Bellingham’s development after just two years in England’s second tier at Birmingham: “I think the most important thing is mentality.
“We’ve worked a lot on the young players over the years, but the most important thing is the mentality, drive and desire to learn. He has it all.
“I don’t think we can predict how quickly he’s going to mature. It’s taken to another level in the malaysia boda8 last three months.
“We want to invest in young players because they can be special. You have a bit of a pain in the beginning because when they come in, they’re not going to be perfect. Further down the line, you get these types of performances. .”
Watching Tottenham striker Kane score his first goal of the tournament was another boost for Southgate.
“You could see the lift it gave Harry. His link game started coming up again asianbookie boda8 ,” he said.
“For any striker it’s in your head when you haven’t scored yet and when you score it’s a huge confidence boost. That will benefit him a lot.”
