The concluding quarter-final provides us with a monumental clash between two of the most impressive sides at this years World Cup: an unbeaten England and the reigning world champions, France.
Despite both sides being giants of the footballing world, England and France have never matched up in a knockout game of a major tournament. The last time they faced off with each other in a World Cup, remarkably, was 1982, when England recorded a 3-1 victory.
The French will be hoping to avenge this loss and become the first side to reach a semi-final as the reining champions, since Brazil in 1998. Similarly, England aim to make history themselves, becoming the first England team to reach back-to-back semi-final appearances at the World Cup.
Key Matchups:
Kylian Mbappe (France) Vs Kyle Walker (England)
Ever since this fixture has been confirmed, this matchup has been on the lips of all football fans. Explosive, high-quality, and extremely quick paced, these two players provide one of the most intriguing battles in world football.
Kylian Mbappe has been in tremendous form so far this World Cup, terrorising every defender he has faced. He has hurried his way to the top of the goalscoring charts, while reaching his unstoppable best against Poland.
As one of the quickest defenders in the world, will Walker be able to neutralise the tricky wingers threats? Or will Mbappe guide his side to yet another World Cup semi-final?
Aurelien Tchouameni (France) Vs Jude Bellingham (England)
Jude Bellingham has been quickly hailed as a saviour by England fans, leading their charge to the Quarter-Finals. He has been hard-working, tenacious and full of quality throughout the tournament; he's so good that it's hard to believe he's only 19.
Many people have been questioning whether England's defence will be able to contain France's attack, however, will France's midfield be able to contain the Dortmund midfielder? Les Bleus have been harshly struck with injuries - the infamous midfield duo of Pogba and Kante which won them the 2018 tournament are both unavailable.
Will the makeshift French midfield be able to contain the fearless Bellingham? Or will the 19 year old dominate this game has he has done all tournament?
What will await the winner?
The winner of this highly anticipated clash will meet the winner of the other quarter-final played that day between Portugal and Morocco. Both England and France will recognise the difficulty of the game in front of them, but they will also sense an opportunity to do something special beyond it.
Can Gareth Southgate prove his critics wrong once again? Or will France breeze past the English in their quest to go back-to-back? Let us know your opinions down below.
Who will go through?
England
France
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