Create your SBS On Demand account to stream all 64 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2022ᵀᴹ live and free any time on your favourite device.
France have likely identified Jude Bellingham as the key man to stop in the midfield, which would deny England build-up on the counter. Antoine Griezmann, Adrien Rabiot, and Aurélien Tchouameni should start and all have been in great form - the former has done his best to fill the role left vacant by Paul Pogba this World Cup, acting as a deep-lying playmaker and adding a screen for the defensive line.
The French attack can hurt any team, with Ousame Demeble providing pace and creativity while Olivier Giroud and Mbappe convert opportunities at will (8 goals between them so far) - the English fullbacks will have their work cut out for them. Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecamo have been solid so far but Les Bleus are vulnerable on the flanks, and captain Hugo Lloris has the odd error in him in goals.
For the first time in years, England will believe they can win against a top-ranked side and they could be right to think so. Boasting one of the strongest benches in the tournament, England should be confident that if the match needs a tactical switch then they have the personnel to do so, and any number of their substitute players can impact the game.
Gareth Southgate has previously gone for a back three in bigger matches but may well stick with a back four to maintain the midfield trio of Rice, Bellingham and Henderson, who have all linked up dangerously as demonstrated against Senegal. The obvious player they need to stop will be Kylian Mbappe, which will likely be a job left to Kyle Walker. The England right-back has played club football against the prolific striker and has the pace to match him as long as he maintains a slight head start.
Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka as always will be supported by captain Harry Kane up top. England have had so many goalscorers so far this tournament that the French defence may not know who to prioritise in attempting to contain the Three Lions front line...
This game may be won or lost with the fullbacks for both teams and either team will believe they can win in 90 minutes. France may be slight favourites but this England side has arguably never looked better. Time will tell, however, if they have learned from their past exploits at the Euro 2020 and 2018 FIFA World Cup tournaments.
How to watch England v France LIVE and FREE on SBS
Sunday, December 11
Quarter-Final - England v France
5:30am - 8:30am (AEDT) - kick-off at 6:00am
LIVE on SBS and SBS On Demand
