England will have to be at their very best to beat world champions France

ENGLAND face a date with destiny as Gareth Southgate’s men come up against the world champions France in their quarter-final clash TOMORROW.

The nation will be on tenterhooks as they see whether Southgate’s troops have what it takes to upset the odds.

Southgate has some huge calls to make on his team selection – notably whether to go toe-to-toe with Les Bleus.

The Three Lions have a stunning array of attacking talent, with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford battling for two supporting roles for Harry Kane.

But the squad will be buoyed by the return of winger Sterling after the sickening burglary at his home in Surrey.

And undoubtedly the eyes of the world will be on wonderkid Jude Bellingham, with his club Borussia Dortmund facing a huge battle to keep hold of him in summer.

How did they get here?

England overcame Senegal to sail into the quarters courtesy of a 3-0 victory.

Southgate’s lads topped their Group B thanks to wins over Iran and Wales, 6-2 and 3-0 respectively, and a dour 0-0 draw against USA

France made it through to the quarters after a 3-1 win over Poland, in which Olivier Giroud became their record scorer of all time.

The World Cup’s top scorer Kylian Mbappe added the second and third. They beat Australia 4-1 and Denmark 2-1 in Group D before a shock 1-0 defeat to Tunisia.

BETTING SPECIAL – BEST WORLD CUP BETTING OFFERS AND FREE BETS

What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?

England fans had cause for concern earlier in the week when Declan Rice was reportedly suffering with illness – but he thankfully rejoined in the training sessions.

John Stones and Callum Wilson are also being bothered with niggles but should both make the team at least. Raheem Sterling is back from his leave of absence after his house was burgled.

France were hit with some BIG injury news before a ball was even kicked with star striker Karim Benzema ruled out with injury.

Lucas Hernandez has also fallen to the treatment table after doing his ACL.

Who will be the star men?

Jude Bellingham has the world in awe with some stunning performances for England this winter.

Harry Kane finally got the goal his all-round play has deserved – he may even be planning a late run for the Golden Boot.

For France, look no further than the tournament top scorer Kylian Mbappe. He has looked virtually unplayable.

Olivier Giroud became his country’s record goalscorer this World Cup – and he offers a very different threat up top to his partner in crime Mbappe.

What’s the head to head?

England have a brilliant record against France.

The Three Lions have won 17 of the 31 games they have faced each other, with France triumphant in nine and five draws.

But the most recent clash wasn’t so great for England – Deschamps guided Les Blues to a 3-2 win in a 2017 friendly.

SunSport prediction

Ok, we are simply letting our heart rule here.

England face a monumental task to try and dump out Mbappe et al but their is a wave of euphoria sweeping over the nation…

Go on Gareth and the lads, YOU CAN DO IT!

England 1 France 1 (Eng win on pens)

When is England vs France?

• England vs France takes place TOMORROW – Saturday, December 10.
• The match kicks off at 7pm UK time.
• The Al-Bayt Stadium plays host.

What TV channel and live stream is England vs France on?

• England vs France will be broadcast live on ITV 1.
• It will be live-streamed on ITV X , the mobile app which is available for download.

QUARTER-FINALS

Friday, December 9

Saturday, December 10

SEMI-FINALS

Tuesday, December 13

• Match 61: Croatia vs Argentina (7pm)

Wednesday, December 14

• Match 62: Winners of Match 59 vs England or France (7pm)

THIRD PLACE PLAY-OFF

Saturday, December 17

• Losers of Match 61 vs Losers of Match 62 (3pm)

FINAL

Sunday, December 18

• Winners of Match 61 vs Winners of Match 62 (3pm)