The 2022 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals will see England face France in a heavyweight battle that sees one of them be two victories away from lifting the most prestigious trophy in international football.
France is coming off defeating Poland, where Kylian Mbappe scored two goals for Le Bleus and has five total goals in the tournament. The 23-year-old will be the most significant challenge in the matchup.
Despite facing the current World Cup champions, who are hitting in all cylinders, West Ham United star midfielder Declan Rice spoke about the mindset the Three Lions have as they walk into a matchup that some would consider France the favorite to win.
“Coming into the tournament, there was a lot of talk about our defense conceding, but it was solid,” Rice told reporters (h/t Paris Fans). “It’s the kind of match you dream of playing.
“They only happen once in a while, France-England in the quarterfinals; what’s better? We have six days to prepare, I’m sure the whole world will be watching, but we want to get through.”
If France wins, it puts them in a position to win back-to-back World Cups, which would be a rare accomplishment as Italy in 1934 & 1938 and Brazil in 1958 & 1962 have been the only nations to win back-to-back trophies.
Meanwhile, after reaching the UEFA Euro 2020 final, England hopes to replicate that same performance, but this time they expect to end it with a trophy.