On Sunday, England booked a mouth-watering World Cup quarter-final against reigning champions France with a 3-0 win over Senegal.
The Three Lions, who reached the semi-finals of the last World Cup in 2018, finished top of Group B and continued their momentum against African champions Senegal as goals from Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka sealed a comfortable win.
Next up for England is a quarter-final clash with World Cup holders France, who beat Poland 3-1 in their first knockout game in Qatar after topping Group D.
Manchester United legend Ferdinand says he has ‘zero fear’ for France and has backed Southgate to lead England to World Cup glory over the next two weeks.
Ferdinand has been impressed with the Three Lions’ campaign so far and believes Brazil are the only team who can go ‘toe to toe’ with England.
Brazil, who face South Korea on Monday night, will meet England in the semi-finals in Qatar if both teams get that far.
‘I watched France play [Poland] before the England game and I had them down as one of my favourites,’ Ferdinand said on the FIVE YouTube channel.
‘But they’ve got five first-team players missing so it’s a weakened France team. Having watched that game, I hold zero amounts of fear for France. The only fear is Kylian Mbappe.
‘They didn’t show me anything yesterday, they rely on individuals. If England can contain Mbappe, I don’t see it being a problem against France.
‘England played against the African champions [Senegal] by the way. France beat Poland, who have been so poor in this tournament.
‘England are the better team, 100%. I think England are going to win the World Cup.
‘The only team I think can go toe to toe with England is Brazil. They’ve got the personality and the characters to do that. They’ve got hardened European players.
‘I see weaknesses all over the place in the other teams and I think England can physically dominate the other teams.’
Meanwhile, former England boss Sam Allardyce also believes the Three Lions will win the World Cup, providing they get past defending champions France.
‘My thoughts about the next round? If you beat France, you win the World Cup,’ he told GB News.
‘England have got that much confidence. I watched France against Poland and this will be their toughest test. And Gareth’s toughest test, I think, since he’s been manager of the England team because they were very comfortable.’
World Cup 2022 odds
Brazil: 13/5
France: 4/1
Argentina: 9/2
Spain 6/1
England: 7/1
Portugal: 11/1
(Odds courtesy of Betfair)
MORE : Gareth Southgate urged to drop Arsenal star for England v France clash
MORE : Sadio Mane reacts to England beating Senegal at the Qatar World Cup
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