“It is the biggest test we could face,” says England manager Gareth Southgate on their upcoming quarterfinal matchup with France

It is going to be a very fierce battle between two top teams as both France and England have won their round of 16 clashes and will now face each other in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. While England defeated Senegal 3-0, reigning champions France got the better of Poland with a 3-1 scoreline as Kylian Mbappe once again showed the world why he is the best young talent in the world.

England boss Gareth Southgate shared how it will be England’s biggest test to face France as they are a very dangerous team with great depth of talent all across the pitch.

Les Blues once again showed how good they are as they simply dominated Poland in the round of 16 clash as Olivier Giroud scored the opening goal and became France’s highest goalscorer whereas Kylian Mbappe scored a brilliant brace to kill the game. Robert Lewandowski got a late penalty and the FC Barcelona man ended up getting a mere consolation as made it 3-1.

England were exceptional as well as captain harry Kane finally registered his name in the scoresheet in this World Cup. he won the Golden Boot in the last World Cup but was not in that goalscoring touch till now. However now Southgate will hope that Kane is back at his clinical best whereas players like Bukayo Saka and Jordan Henderson also stepped up and scored one each. It was a smooth sailing affair for the Three Lions.

“In terms of France, it’s the biggest test we could face,” Southgate shared once the matchup against France was confirmed. ”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.”

While England will play France in the second quarterfinal, tournament favourites Argentina will face the Netherlands in the first quarterfinal.

Speaking about France one has to speak about Kylian Mbappe as he has been sensational in this World Cup. He was integral to their World Cup win four years ago in Russia and he has been important in Qatar as well. Southgate acknowledged Mbappe’s talent and shared how he is a world class player. He’s a world-class player and has already delivered big moments in this tournament and in previous tournaments.”

Alongwith Mbappe there will be more for England to handle starting from Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann as the trio has been working in tandem and it has been a treat for Les Blues as they have achieved big things with these players in prime positions.

England will hope that things work out their way but as neutrals it will be a very exciting clash as both teams have the ammunition to hurt each other but it will be a test of nerves for both the sides and only one will be able to brave it out and progress to the semifinals of the World Cup.