DOHA, Qatar | A duel between France and England in the quarter-finals of the World Cup is sweet, especially as it rarely happens.
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“It’s true that it doesn’t happen often,” Didier Deschamps said at a press conference on Friday.
It only happened twice to be exact. And in the current French team there must have only been Deschamps and one or two of his assistants born the last time it happened in 1982. The only other time? 1966, the year the Three Lions won. It was the only major title they won and they’ve been dreaming of fame ever since.
It’s notably the first time they’ve faced each other in a knockout game at a World Cup.
rivalry
Historically, one might think that there is a rivalry between the two countries. After all, this is France and England.
However, French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris puts the scale of this rivalry into perspective, which is mainly nurtured by the media in search of a good story.
“There can be a rivalry, they are two great footballing nations, but that rivalry is there in other sports like rugby as well. Once there is a mastery, it generates great battles.
“We are preparing above all to meet the expectations of a quarter-final. We’re at the gates of the semifinals and we want to get there. »
enemy brothers
Still, this quarter-final is something very special for Lloris. The captain of the French team meets a good friend, Harry Kane, the England captain.
Both players are team-mates at Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
“We have a pretty important relationship, we’ve been playing together for almost nine years,” said Lloris. We have an important relationship on and off the pitch. I can only say positive things about him.
“He is a real leader, an important role model for his teammates and above all a top player. It’s known worldwide and we don’t necessarily need to add more. »
Weakness
In the English media we try to get into Lloris’ head by claiming that he is the weak link in France. But do the English have any weaknesses?
“The English have no weaknesses,” Didier Deschamps joked a little. Every team has strengths, I don’t mean they have weaknesses, but there are things they don’t do well. »
Calm, Lloris obviously isn’t bothered by all the noise surrounding this game.
“You don’t need any external motivation to play in a World Cup quarter-final. You have your opinion and you are entitled to it. »
Protect Mbappe
With five goals and three assists in three games, Kylian Mbappé is the player of the tournament at the moment and he’s like Lloris, he doesn’t let his surroundings affect him.
“Kylian is in his prep, ignoring what’s being said. He’s aiming very well and I can feel him aloof and smiling, focused on the game ahead. »
However, Didier Deschamps knows that his diamond will be the target of the English, but he also knows that the young man has the talent to solve any situation.
“I can imagine England taking precautions as our previous four opponents did. Kylian has this ability to move things.
“Being able to spread the threat to our opponent avoids concentrating precautionary measures on Kylian. »
speed
England have scored many goals since the start of the tournament and France are not left out. According to Deschamps, the Three Lions are characterized by their speed, which can complicate things.
“That’s often the key, because when you drive fast, the opponent has less time to organize. You can counter a lot, but it’s more difficult at speed.
“The English are very efficient in the transition phases, they scored half of their goals there. But even set pieces are dangerous. It is no coincidence that they are in front of us. »