England are preparing for their biggest test yet as they take on France in the World Cup quarter-final this evening. Didier Deschamps’ side have become one of the favourites to win the tournament following Brazil’s departure.
The tie is the final one of four matches this weekend and will determine whether they play either Portugal or Morocco in the semi-final. With the likes of Brazil, Germany and Spain all already knocked out of the tournament, Gareth Southgate’s side won’t get a much better opportunity to finally lift the World Cup trophy again.
The Three Lions certainly face a much tougher quarter-final clash this year after defeating Sweden 2-0 in 2018, with Kylian Mbappe the player that could prove to be the difference between going home and staying in the tournament. The Paris Saint-Germain forward has five goals and two assists in only four matches so far and has looked lethal up top with Olivier Giroud.
England’s plan to stop Mbappe will be key to how today’s match goes and there has been plenty of talk about how the Three Lions will set up in order to claim the victory. Many were expecting Southgate to return to his favoured five at the back, however others were hopeful he would stick with the formation that has favoured us so well so far.
The Telegraph have now ‘leaked’ England’s starting line-up ahead of the meeting with France and here is how it looks.
1. Jordan Pickford
The 28-year-old has three clean sheets in four matches
2. Kyle Walker
Walker was brought into replace Kieran Trippier against Wales and Senegal
3. John Stones
The Man City defender is a permanent fixture in England’s backline
4. Harry Maguire
The Man Utd centre-back has found some form during the World Cup