England breezed into the World Cup Quarter Finals after smashing Senegal 3-0, and our FIFA 23 World Cup predictor saw The Three Lions safely through too.
However, reigning world champions France await Gareth Southgate's men, and this will provide a stern test.
Table of Contents
Kylian Mbappe is in red-hot form, leading the race for the Golden Boot with five goals already. He will take some stopping...
Starting XI
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Much of the talk ahead of the match has been centred around England switching to a back five to cope with Mbappe.
However, England's 4-3-3 used so far in the tournament has served them well, albeit against opposition with less attacking quality.
We are hoping Southgate opts with the more attacking 4-3-3 shape though, as England possesses plenty of attacking quality themselves.
With a front three of Phil Foden, Harry Kane, and Bukayo Saka, there is plenty of pace and skill to hurt the French defence.
Jude Bellingham has been one of the players of the tournament, while Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson will need to get through plenty of work in the midfield.
The key battle will be Kyle Walker v Kylian Mbappe, and there is no right-back on the planet better equipped to deal with the Frenchman.
Perfect start
It was almost a dream start for England!
After winning the ball back, England broke quickly with Bellingham driving forward through the French midfield.
A one-two with Kane saw Bellingham clean through on goal, but Hugo Lloris pulled out a superb save to keep the scores level.
Moments later, Foden skipped past Jules Kounde, but failed to force Lloris into action with his effort.
Any thoughts that these misses could cost England were quickly subdued as Kane rolled Raphael Varane on the edge of the box.
The Spurs striker rifled home leaving Lloris no chance, and England with a deserved 1-0 lead!
Super saves
Unsurprisingly, the England defence came under severe pressure as half-time approached.
Mbappe finally got the better of Walker and delivered a pinpoint cross to Olivier Giroud.
However, with the goal at his mercy, Giroud found an inspired Jordan Pickford in his way, who was then quick to save the rebound effort too!
Lloris was also called into action just before half-time as Harry Maguire rose highest to head goalwards, but a strong save ensured the score remained 1-0.
Off the bar
The second half was tense, although uninspiring with a lack of goalmouth action.
That changed though when Kane rattled a header against the crossbar, a goal that would surely have won England the game.
Kane was not to be denied though, as moments later he broke French hearts as he turned home Henderson's cross from just yards out.
2-0. Game over. Gareth Southgate's men are marching into the World Cup Semi-Finals... at least in FIFA 23.
Verdict
Fortune favours the brave. England's bold approach in the World Cup sim posed the French defence questions that they simply could not answer.
We don't expect Mbappe to be kept as quiet as he was, but there is merit in the attacking intent shown with the 4-3-3.
Henderson on the right side will need to help Walker as much as possible, but with an in-form Kane up top, anything is possible.
It's time to believe England fans... IT'S COMING HOME!
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