England To Face France In World Cup Crunch Match

Our football correspondent Ryan Brookes is thinking about what could happen in tonight's England World Cup match against France

On Saturday evening, the country will have eyes glued to the TV, when England come up against current World champions France in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup.

It’s been quite some story for Gareth Southgate’s men so far, having been beaten in the semi-finals of the 2018 competition and defeated on penalties in last year’s Euros final. They now prepare for the toughest test so far, with a place in the final four at stake.

The Three Lions began their campaign well, with a 6-2 thrashing of Iran, just under three weeks ago. Young guns Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka got themselves on the scoresheet, the latter netting twice. Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford also found the net, while substitute Jack Grealish tapped home for the sixth.

Hopes were raised for a clash with the USA in matchday two of the group stage, however England didn’t live up to those expectations, firing blanks in a goalless draw. The United States were arguably the better side, but it was a point to take for the Three Lions.

Thankfully, heading into the ultimate game of Group B, results elsewhere in previous matches meant all England had to do to qualify was avoid a 4-0 demolition by local rivals Wales. And they magnificently eased past their Welsh opponents, a 3-0 win doing the job. Some Marcus Rashford magic saw him net a brace, and Phil Foden also finished off a lovely Harry Kane set-up, to send their side through to the knockouts.

Last Sunday night started with a few nail-biting moments against African outfit Senegal, but it was the Three Lions that opened the scoring six minutes before the break - experienced midfielder Jordan Henderson was the unlikely hero, though England weren’t done there. Harry Kane put doubters asleep with his first goal of the tournament in first half injury time, and Saka made it three overall for himself and three for Southgate’s side on the night, to cap an all-round good display.

So now, it’s eyes on 7pm on Saturday night for England vs France. The clash of the titans, call it what you want - the main question is: can the Three Lions keep the dream alive, and go a step further to bringing football home?

Awaiting them is a semi-final spot, which would be their second in a row in the World Cup. They could either play Portugal or Morocco depending on the result in the 3 o’clock game.

From there, only a single win is needed to reach the final - Croatia or Argentina will be the opponents if they make it that far.

If you’re looking to watch the big match (you would be stupid not to), coverage begins on ITV 1 from 6pm, with extended build-up to kickoff.