FRANCE are practicing set-pieces ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against England.
The defending champions are well aware of the threat posed by Gareth Southgate’s men and have identified corners in particular as an area of concern.
It was reported in the French media on Thursday that centre-back Harry Maguire is England’s dangerman to watch out for.
Under Southgate, the Three Lions have become a real threat at set-pieces, with nine of their 12 goals at the 2018 World Cup coming from some form of dead ball – a tournament record.
And according to L’Equipe, Didier Deschamps has had his team defending set plays in the lead-up to Saturday’s game.
France conceded from a corner against Denmark in the group stage.
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And they were given a fresh warning by England when Maguire nodded a corner down for Bukayo Saka to smash home in the 6-2 win over Iran.
The reigning world champions are also thought to be practicing attacking set-pieces.
Deschamps’ men have not scored from one since they played Ivory Coast back in March.
But their main threat is currently firing on all cylinders in the form of Kylian Mbappe.
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The Paris Saint-Germain star, 23, who returned to training on Thursday, is set to do battle with England right-back Kyle Walker on Saturday in a much-anticipated duel.
And Mbappe’s team-mate Youssouf Fofana believes the PSG man has what it takes to perform against England.
He said: “If he knows how to stop Kylian, good for him. But 19 other teams in Ligue 1, and others in the Champions League, have been waiting for the solution.
“The truth will come from the pitch. We have full confidence in Kylian.
“He is focused on what the team has to do and what he has to do. I feel he is very calm and determined.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
