GARETH SOUTHGATE will name an unchanged England side for Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final clash with France.
The Three Lions booked a place in the last eight with a thumping 3-0 win over African champions Senegal.
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and Bukayo Saka were key components of that side, both scoring, and Southgate is set to keep faith in the duo by handing them starts against the reigning world champions.
Henderson will patrol the midfield alongside 19-year-old superstar Jude Bellingham as well as anchorman Declan Rice.
While Saka will start out wide on the right, and will be key in England’s efforts in stopping world beater Kylian Mbappe.
The Arsenal man’s ability to track back will be of massive help to Kyle Walker, who is being talked up as Mbappe’s Kryptonite.
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Saka, who has three World Cup goals to his name, will also pose a threat up the other end of the pitch, and could drag Mbappe back towards his own goal, exploiting his defensive fragility.
He will also provide support to captain Harry Kane as well as Phil Foden.
Southgate mainstay Jordan Pickford keeps his place in the team, as does Harry Maguire, John Stones and Luke Shaw.
Should England get past the French, a date with Morocco or Portugal next Wednesday awaits.
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On the opposite side of the tournament knockout tree, favourites Brazil crashed out on penalties to Croatia on Friday night.
Argentina or Holland’s place in the semi is yet to be confirmed.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
