Southgate Phil Foden England

England’s forward #20 Phil Foden warms up before the start of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group B football match between England and Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on November 21, 2022. Photo: Jewel SAMAD / AFP)

England need to attack France’s fullbacks – Parlour

Former England International Ray Parlour believes France are vulnerable at fullback and Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden will be key men.

Southgate Phil Foden England

England’s forward #20 Phil Foden warms up before the start of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group B football match between England and Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on November 21, 2022. Photo: Jewel SAMAD / AFP)

Former England International Ray Parlour believes France are vulnerable at fullback.

England take on France in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals with the defending champions big favourites.

How England can beat France

Parlour feels that England’s wide men Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka can hurt the French.

“England will certainly get opportunities, there’s no doubt about that,” Parlour told SportsLens.

“I think France look quite weak on the wings to be honest, the full-back areas for France aren’t their strongest. So whether it’s Foden or Rashford or Saka who gets the nod, I think they’ll really look to exploit those full-back areas and put some dangerous balls into the box for Harry Kane to get on the end of.

“I’m sure Southgate will look at the wide areas because France seem a little bit unsettled there and I think Foden will be vital in this game if he can get at his fullback and pin him in. Southgate will be a bit worried about the likes of Dembele, Mbappe, Griezmann and Giroud who’s on fire and obviously it’s his last World Cup so he’ll want to go out with a bang. 

“But we’ve got some great players going forward as well, let’s not forget. Saka’s there scoring goals, Foden looks so dangerous and we know about Harry Kane’s goal threat. And look at our bench we can bring people like Rashford on, and don’t forget about Grealish and Maddison too. Southgate’s blessed with this squad. He’s got players who can change the game from the bench in the last 20 minutes.”

England
England’s substitute forward #17 Bukayo Saka looks on during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group B football match between Wales and England at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al-Rayyan, west of Doha on November 29, 2022. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

Saka needs to put in a defensive shift

ALSO READ: England warned against using a back three against France

Parlour believes Saka will have a job to do in defence as well to help nullify Kylian Mbappe.

“Gareth will probably have a few words and tell him to be wary and remind him that he might have to help double up on Mbappe at times. He’s played full-back before and he’s a versatile player so that will stand him in good stead. 

“We’re guessing in terms of Kyle Walker’s fitness but the physios and people behind the scenes will be using all the stats and metrics so they’ll know how well he’s recovering after the Senegal game. We don’t know if there’s been any niggles in training or anyone struggling with the conditions but Gareth has to make the decision with the info he gets and what he sees.

“But if Walker is fit then he’s got to play because his pace will be invaluable against Mbappe. He can fit into a three even if you want him to or if you want to go more attack minded you’ve got Trippier or even Trent Alexander-Arnold.“