England vs France: Arsenal Icon Analyses How Southgate Can Contain Mbappe

• The England vs France game at the World Cup in Qatar will be an exciting tactical battle
• Kylian Mbappe and Kyle Walker are expected to bring their electric pace to the encounter
• Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has backed the Manchester City fullback to deal with Mbappe

Former Arsenal midfielder Roy Parlour has given his two cents on how England's national team Head Coach, Gareth Southgate can approach the France game.

England are set to face the defending champions in what is expected to be an absolute showdown, with a semi-final berth at stake.

Much of the talk has been centred around Kylian Mbappe and how to keep the Paris Saint-Germain star in check. The 23-year-old has already shown that he has the ability to decide games.

Parlour has opined that Southgate shouldn't revert to a back three formation. The Three Lions are yet to use the formation in Qatar, and it is thought that a back three could give them the cover to combat the threat that is Mbappe.

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No need for defensive shakeups

However, Parlour thinks that the defensive partnership of Harry Maguire and John Stones has worked well so far.

"Kyle Walker is very experienced so to be honest, I really hope he sticks with a four. I know a lot of people think it’s better with a three so you can get your wingbacks forward, but it’s worked pretty well like this so far."

Parlour said Southgate could certainly adapt during the match if Mbappe or Antoine Griezmann were posing a threat, but he personally disagreed with 'tinkering' with defensive setups.

You can change the system and put someone else in there, but if it’s working as a back four, why change it?" he said as quoted by Sportslens.

The now 49-year-old would also like to see promising talent Jude Bellingham and Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson have another run together, after impressing against Senegal.

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Weakness in France full-backs

Parlour has also identified France's full-backs as their weakness, and has backed Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden to maximise on any given opportunities.

Jules Kounde and Theo Hernandez are expected to start for France. The winner of this game will face either Morocco or Portugal.

Wenger predicts France vs England

Sports Brief has also reported that former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger predicted France versus England and who will top the 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 have a lot at stake as they are defending the trophy won in the 2018 edition in Russia, but a talented England side are looking to spoil their journey and 'bring it home'.