Major test and familiar setting – the key talking points as England face France

England face France on Saturday night in what could be a scintillating World Cup quarter-final.

With a place in the last four on offer, Gareth Southgate’s men have been tasked with beating the reigning world champions to continue in the tournament.

Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the main talking points ahead of the clash in Al Khor.

Claiming a major scalp

France line up before their game against Denmark
France present a formidable test to England (Nick Potts/PA)

Al Bayt for good

Al Bayt Stadium
England are back at the Al Bayt Stadium (Adam Davy/PA)

A view to a Kyl

Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring against Poland
Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring against Poland (Peter Byrne/PA)

Shape shifting?

Southgate has previously favoured a three-man central defence in tournament football but has stuck to a back four so far in Qatar. Whether he looks to change back to a more defensive formation, likely adding Walker alongside Harry Maguire and John Stones and playing wing-backs who can also help repel the France attacks, remains to be seen. In the past, that system has seen Southgate criticised for being too negative but it could be the way to see off the world champions on Saturday.

Sterling’s involvement

England’s John Stones welcomes Raheem Sterling, right, back to training
England welcomed Raheem Sterling back to training on Friday (Peter Byrne/PA)

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