Qatar 2022: England ready for ‘fantastic challenge’ against France in World Cup q-finals

England captain, Harry Kane, has said they were ready for a “tough evening” when they face France in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.

England booked their place in the last eight in Qatar with a 3-0 win over Senegal on Sunday night, overcoming a nervous start before goals from Jordan Henderson, Kane, and Bukayo Saka led to a comfortable victory.

Next up for Gareth Southgate’s side is a showdown with a France side looking to become the first team to win successive World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

“Saturday will be a really tough evening,” said Kane, whose goal against Senegal was his first of the tournament and moved him within one of Wayne Rooney’s England record of 53. “France are a great team.

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“They are the reigning champions. If you want to win the World Cup you have to play the best sides in the world and France are definitely one of them.”

Southgate agreed with his captain and believes England will face the “biggest test” of their title credentials.

Les Bleus may have been depleted by injuries before and during the tournament – with Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema and midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante among the notable absentees – but in Kylian Mbappe, they possess one of the most dangerous forwards in world football.

Paris Saint-Germain striker Mbappe took his tally to five goals and two assists from four games on Sunday with a brace in the 3-1 win over Poland on Sunday.

“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.