Apart from a heavily rotated team in France’s final group game against Tunisia, Didier Deschamps has been consistent in his lineup selection so far during this World Cup. That doesn’t look set to change for Les Bleus’ quarter-final tie against England on Saturday.
Bar any late injuries, Deschamps looks almost certain to field the same XI that brushed Poland aside 3-1 in the Round of 16. The record-breaking Olivier Giroud and the record-chasing Kylian Mbappé look set to start in attack. Antoine Griezmann, one of the standout stars of the tournament so far looks set to retain his place in midfield, as do Adrien Rabiot and Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Dayot Upamecano has seemingly cemented his place alongside Raphaël Varane, and after Benjamin Pavard’s poor performance, and well-documented difficulties since, Jules Koundé is the uncontested first-choice right-back.
England also look highly unlikely to rotate. Raheem Sterling is back with the squad after travelling back to the UK, and missing The Three Lions’ 3-0 victory over Senegal in the Round of 16. Although the Chelsea winger is a player that Gareth Southgate trusts, his lack of training and the hours spent in transit to and from Qatar make it highly unlikely that he will start against France on Saturday. Having starred against Senegal, Phil Foden will likely retain his place.
France likely XI v England:
Hugo Lloris – Théo Hernandez, Dayot Upamecano, Raphaël Varane, Jules Koundé – Antoine Griezmann, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot – Kylian Mbappé, Olivier Giroud, Ousmane Dembélé.
England likely XI v France:
Jordan Pickford – Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Kyle Walker – Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson – Phil Foden, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
