World Cup 2022: Former Arsenal Boss Predicts England vs France Clash

• Arsene Wenger has made his prediction for the England vs France quarter-final match
• The former Arsenal boss feels the Three Lions will be a tough test for his home nation
• He says both teams are well-matched in what will be a fiercely contested World Cup tie

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has predicted the tasty France vs England quarter-final showdown at the 2022 World Cup.

The meeting between the two European heavyweights promises to deliver a cracking match, given the intense hype it has received since it was confirmed.

France has a lot at stake as they are defending the trophy they won in the 2018 edition in Russia, but a talented England side are looking to spoil their journey.

Kylian Mbappe has so far demonstrated why he is the best player in the world with five goals in four games.

Japan's World Cup squad: Find out the full roster of team Japan in Qatar

Football

Meanwhile, the 1966 champions are looking to get their hands on the trophy that has evaded them for nearly six decades.

Given the Three Lions' recent heartbreaks in the 2018 World Cup and the Euro 2020 final, a lot is at stake for them too.

Therefore, this makes the match a tightly-contested affair.

Wenger makes his prediction

Former Arsenal boss Wenger believes the match will be tight but feels his country can go all the way.

He told L'Equipe via the Mirror, that England will still trouble the French team.

"In this sense, the midfielders - notably Jude Bellingham - can perform well. That’s why England are maybe the team that can cause the most damage to France in this competition. It’s an early final."

Lionel Messi's doctor reveals stunning reasons he wants Argentina to lose all group matches

Football

England's 1966 World Cup triumph was the last time they won a major tournament. They came close in last year's Euros but fell short at the end against Italy.

Wenger says that Didier Deschamps's team can win the title because of its youthful squad.

“For six months, I’ve been saying that France can retain their title. It’s a young squad, that’s hungry, which is not at the end of the road.”

Les Bleus miss influential players like Paul Pogba, N'Golo Kante and Karim Benzema, but they possess quality young players that can step up when needed.

Wenger's 2022 World Cup prediction

Sports Brief earlier reported on Wenger predicting the winner of the 2022 World Cup. While Argentina have widely been backed as favourites, he contends France are the team to beat.

Despite Les Bleus missing the services of key players through injury, the former Arsenal boss believes this could be a blessing in disguise for the reigning world football champions.

Wenger added that if coach Deschamps managed to ensure stability in the defence, the reigning world champions would have a great chance to defend the title won in Russia four years ago.