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CHRIS SUTTON’S THREE KEY MATCHUPS: Kyle Walker must limit the number of times Kylian Mbappe can cause real damage to England, while Declan Rice must prevent Antoine Griezmann from creating for France
England take on France on Saturday looking to book their place in the semi-finals of the tournament, for the second consecutive World Cup.
Standing in their way are reigning world champions and the biggest star of the final, Kylian Mbappe, who already has five goals in Qatar.
Ahead of the deciding game, Sportsmail’s Christ Sutton takes a look at three key matchups between the two World Cup heavyweights.
Gareth Southgate leads his England team against France on Saturday with some great clashes on the pitch
Kyle Walker v Kylian Mbappe
This is the duel that we have been cheering for all week. How will Walker manage with Mbappé? It is impossible to tie it for 90 minutes.
There will be at least one moment when the superstar from France makes Walker, one of the fastest right-backs in the world, look like a fool. But it’s up to Walker to limit how often that happens. Let the battle begin!
Kyle Walker has been tipped as the man who could keep up with the star of the tournament.
Declan Rice v Antoine Griezmann
Griezmann moves from one side to the other and finds spaces between the rival lines to receive the ball. He then he feeds the fast runners of France.
It will be up to Rice to stop that supply line. Fortunately, that’s one of the strongest parts of his game: his knowledge of when to intercept is exceptional.
One concern for France with Griezmann is how lazy the 31-year-old can be to track. When Rice advances, don’t expect to see Griezmann behind.
Declan Rice’s protection of the back four will be key in stopping France’s talented attack.
Luke Shaw v Ousmane Dembele
Everyone is talking about Walker vs Mbappé. I myself have been guilty of that. But let’s not forget the threat from France’s right-back.
Dembélé has gone unnoticed amid the attention on Mbappé when, in reality, this is not a man to underestimate.
The 25-year-old likes to drive inside from the right wing. Shaw has to be careful, just like Harry Maguire, because he will be the one Dembele turns to. This is a great test for England. Not only on the left side of France will this match be decided.
There is another battle on the opposite flank when Luke Shaw goes against Ousmane Dembele