Walker vs MBAPPE
One of the strengths that has emerged through the tournament is England’s depth.
Manager Gareth Southgate has been able to shuffle his midfield and wide attackers more than in previous tournaments and almost all of them have delivered.
His tally of 12 goals – equaling his World Cup best set by three more matches in 2018 – has been achieved through eight players.
Harry Kane, the tournament’s top scorer in 2018, has only scored one goal in Qatar, but has become a dangerous provider with three assists and looked sharp in England’s win over Senegal in the round of 16.
Jude Bellingham has established himself as a driving force in midfield, playing with confidence beyond his 19 years.
With proven Premier League players like Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling coming off the bench, there are new legs and different challenges to tire out opposition defenders.
While goalscorers grab the headlines, Southgate made sure he praised his defenders after the last 16 matches as his side secured their third consecutive World Cup clean sheet for the first time in 20 years.
Harry Maguire and John Stones will enjoy Giroud’s more traditional challenge, but the main battle could be between one of the fastest defenders in the tournament and the fastest attacker – Kyle Walker versus Mbappe.
The Frenchman has been in full flow in Qatar, while Walker is making his way back to speed after undergoing surgery on a groin injury in October.
One thing that must be taken for granted is that England will not be overwhelmed by this opportunity after their recent runs to the last four of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020.