World Cup: What Happens If England Defeats France At The Quarter-Finals

England clinched their only World Cup title so far back in 1966 on home soil. While France won it all at Russia 2018 and as the host nation in 1998.

Didier Deschamps could oversee just the third nation to retain the World Cup by winning it all again at Qatar 2022.

Only Italy in 1934 and 1938 plus Brazil in 1958 and 1962 have gone on to defend their crown. England lost in the quarter-finals as the reigning holders in 1970.

READ ALSO: Arsenal In Danger Of Losing Gabriel Martinelli To Barcelona

The Three Lions have been the highest-scoring team at the World Cup so far with an impressive 12 goals across their opening four games – equalling the all-time record previously set by Southgate’s men four years ago.

Many England supporters are dreaming of going all the way in Qatar and young lions such as Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Phil Foden are amongst the players to receive critical acclaim by football experts.

HOW ENGLAND AND FRANCE MADE THE QUARTER-FINALS AT THE 2022 WORLD CUP IN QATAR

France, meanwhile, produced one of the worst World Cup title defences yet during 2002 in Japan and South Korea. Les Bleus failed to even make it out of the groups in Asia. They lost 1-0 in the opening fixture to Senegal, drew 0-0 with Uruguay and lost 2-0 against Denmark.

Deschamps has already avoided repeating France’s calamities by topping Group D at Qatar 2022. They comfortably overcame Australia 4-1 and edged Denmark 2-1 before losing 1-0 to Tunisia. But the Bleus boss made nine changes with a place in the Round of 16 secured.

A 3-1 win over Poland then saw France breeze through to the quarter-finals where England await on Saturday, December 10. The Three Lions sealed a place in the Al Bayt Stadium tie after edging Senegal 3-0. They topped Group B with 6-2 and 3-0 wins over Iran and Wales.

READ ALSO: Kylian Mbappe Misses Training Ahead Of England Clash – See Reason

WHAT HAPPENS IF ENGLAND BEAT FRANCE IN THE 2022 WORLD CUP QUARTER-FINALS?

So, what happens if England now beat France or vice versa in the quarter-final of the 2022 World Cup?

Well, the winner could be just 90 minutes from the final with a win at Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday. They will also return to the ground in Al Khor for their semi-final tie.

England, then, could play each of their knockout stage fixtures at the same venue – bar the final – by beating France.

The winner from France and England’s game will return to Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday, December 14 for their semi-final. They will meet the winner of the quarter-final between Morocco and Portugal. France or England will know their next opponent before kicking off.

The winner of the semi-final between Croatia or Brazil and the Netherlands or Argentina will meet whichever team emerges from England or France and Morocco or Portugal.

Harry Kane stressed that England are not getting ahead of themselves, with their full focus on the encounter against France. ” We enjoy this one but our attention turns straight to that, it’s going to be a great game,” the Three Lions captain said on ITV Sport after the victory over Senegal. “They’re reigning champions, it’ll be a good battle. We recover now and get ready for the next game.”

Kane’s comments were echoed by Phil Foden, who said of France: ” They look like the strongest up to now and everywhere you look they’ve got talented players but we back ourselves on the day and we’re confident.” The Manchester City playmaker added: “We’re all buzzing with the result. We’re going to celebrate tonight. It’s knockout football now. We’re going to have to recover and think about our next opponent, which is going to be really tough.”

The 2022 World Cup final will be at the Lusail iconic Stadium on Sunday, December 18 at 15:00 GMT.

How far will England go at the World Cup in Qatar? Have your say in the comment section below.