French president Emmanuel Macron is very confident about his country's chances against England in the World Cup.
France made light work of Poland in their last-16 clash on Sunday as Kylian Mbappe stole the show with a fabulous brace. Hours later, the Three Lions saw off Senegal with relative ease as goals from Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka helped them to a 3-1 win.
It means that Gareth Southgate's side will take on the world champions in the quarter-finals in what is the biggest test yet for both outfits. Macron correctly predicted that Les Blues would beat Poland 3-1 and has been asked to delve into his crystal ball once more.
He stopped short of making a score prediction, but told French outlet RTL : "I don’t really doubt the fact that we’re going to win." France will go into the game as narrow favourites but face an England side full of confidence given their performances at major tournaments as of late.
Macron will travel to Qatar for the semi-finals if France make the last four. Qatar has copped major criticism before and throughout the tournament due to its attitude towards human rights and LGBTQ issues, but Macron does not believe politics and sport should mix.
He's said previously: "I don't think sport should be made political. Those questions need to be asked when the tournament is awarded. Whether it's a question of the climate or human rights, we're not going to ask ourselves [the question] every time the tournament is here."
Will France see off England in the quarter-final? Have your say in the comments!
The French are aiming to become the first team to defend a World Cup since Brazil in 1962. They famously flopped when trying to do so in 2002, but look in far better shape four-and-a-half years on from their triumph in Russia. Didier Deschamps has enjoyed huge success throughout his tenure, owing largely to a sensational pool of players from which he can pick.
France were surprisingly knocked out in the last 16 of the Euros last summer, but have looked impressive in Qatar, booking their spot in the knockout stage after two group games. Mbappe has already scored five times and leads the Golden Boot race, so keeping him quiet will be key for England and Kyle Walker.
There is talk of the Three Lions altering their style and formation to combat the Paris Saint-Germain star's threat, but Bukayo Saka has talked up the quality within the England camp. He said: "The rivalry in this World Cup is big - two nations that have performed exceptionally well. We've followed them (France) and we see the quality they have. It's going to be an exciting game. Obviously, we know the quality they have, but we know our own quality also. We just have to play our best game."
