AL KHOR, Qatar Gareth Southgate admits England will face the biggest test” of their World Cup ambitions when they face holders France in a blockbuster quarter-final on Saturday.
His men recovered from a nervous start before powering to a 3-0 win over Senegal in Sunday’s last-16 clash at the Al Bayt Stadium.
The Three Lions will return to the Al Khor desert at the weekend for a titanic showdown with a France side looking to become the first team to win successive World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
While England looked impressive once Jordan Henderson put them ahead against Senegal, with Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka also netting against the African champions, Southgate knows Didier Deschamps’ team are a significant step-up in class.
“It is the biggest test we could face. They are world champions, with an incredible depth of talent and outstanding players. They are very hard to play against and score goals against,” Southgate said.
“It’s a fantastic challenge. It’s a historic rivalry with great games from the past.”
Former Ireland and Manchester United captain Roy Keane believes England should not fear Les Bleus.
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