Harry Kane playing for England Bayern Munich
Harry Kane Bayern Munich

England blew away Senegal in the Round of 16 and that 3-0 win has now set them up for a lip-smacking tie against France this Saturday night.

The England vs France tie is going to be the biggest match so far in the World Cup and it’s very hard to predict a clear favourite. France have lost one game in this tournament but England are yet to be scarred, winning three and drawing one.

The Three Lions will be brimming with confidence because they have scored 12 goals in the World Cup but truth be told, they haven’t faced any strong opponent yet. England will have to bring their A-game at the Al Bayt Stadium or else the French players have the capability to tear them to shreds.

Gareth Southgate has a few selection concerns going into this key quarterfinal but he won’t be losing any sleep because the manager has an insane bench strength.

England team news, injuries and absentees:

DEFENCE:

All eyes will be on Kyle Walker because he will be the one who will have the task of stopping Kylian Mbappe. The Man City defender played the full 90 minutes vs Senegal but he’s just returned from a long injury lay-off. Before the World Cup, his last game for his club was in the first week of October.

Southgate also has Kieran Trippier and Alexander-Arnold as the right-back options but Kyle Walker’s pace could be a great asset against Mbappe.

The right-back role is the only place where the England manager could try and make a change because the other three defenders are automatic selections.

Harry Maguire has done a great job so far but it will be interesting to see how the Manchester United man tackles the overpowered French attack. Ben White left the England squad recently so he will be unavailable for selection for the quarterfinal.

MIDFIELD:

Bellingham has proved his worth in this edition of the World Cup and if he can outshine the French midfielders on Saturday then all the major European clubs will come calling for him during the next transfer window.

Bellingham and Declan Rice are definite starters in central midfield and since this is France, Jordan Henderson will also hold onto his place in the side.

The England manager will use the same 4-3-3 formation with Henderson playing as the furthest midfielder. Southgate also has the option of using Kalvin Phillips but we doubt if he will want to be the in-form Henderson.

ATTACK:

Foden was not an immediate selection for the starting line up at the World Cup but since he’s come in, the Man City man has been undroppable. Against Senegal, the winger provided two assists and he will be one of the first names on Southgate’s teamsheet on Saturday.

Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane both found the back of the net in the Round of 16 and both of the will start as well.

The England manager has a long list of attacking backups and if needed he can fully rotate the forward line without diminishing even an inch of talent.

Raheem Sterling had to return to England after there was a robbery at his home and there’s no guarantee if he will return to World Cup or not.

England predicted line up vs France:

Predicted Starting XI(4-3-3): Pickford; Luke Shaw, Maguire, Stones, Walker; Bellingham, Declan Rice, Henderson; Phil Foden, Saka, Harry Kane.

England predicted line up vs France - World Cup 2022 quarterfinal