Arsene Wenger has been saying for months that France can win the World Cup again this year, but warns them that England can cause them more problems than most teams and Jude Bellingham in particular will be an issue for them.
The huge quarter-final clash in Qatar takes place on Saturday evening, with the defending champions the marginal favourites to beat Gareth Southgate’s side.
Kylian Mbappe is the centre of attention going into the match, with five goals to his name so far at the World Cup and widely regarded as the best player on the planet at the moment.
England have their own superstar in Jude Bellingham, though, and Wenger reckons the Borussia Dortmund midfielder will be a serious problem for the French in the middle of the park.
The former Arsenal boss has been leaning towards his own country to be champions in Qatar, and while he still seems to think that, he believes the physicality of England is cause for concern.
‘For six months, I’ve been saying that France can retain their title,’ Wenger told L’Equipe. ‘France has a potential with regard to physical power which is clearly above that of other teams, with the possible exception of England.
‘In this sense, the midfielders, notably Jude Bellingham, can perform well. That’s why England are maybe the team that can cause the most damage to France in this competition. It’s an early final.’
Another Frenchman with English connections, Patrice Evra, has also looked ahead to the big game and the former Manchester United star, unsurprisingly, is backing France.
‘I can see the game being 2-1 to France,’ Evra told Betfair. ‘I can see us scoring the first goal, then England getting level. I can see this being another moment for Mbappe to do Mbappe things in the last 10 minutes. I don’t see it going to extra time or penalties.
‘If it does go to penalties, it’s a risk for France. People know how much I love England, I think even some French people think I’ll be supporting them, no, I will support France. But I will never forget my experience in England and it will be good banter.’
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