England v France

Mbappe has never lost a World Cup or Euros match when he's started. He's scored nine goals and recorded three assists in those 13 games.

How should Gareth Southgate set up to defeat the world champions and seal a semi-final spot? Our writers offer their thoughts.

[Declan Rice](https://theathletic.com/football/player/declan-rice-duZsAMRHQ2yZkpLT/), Jude Bellingham and Jordan Henderson that should be able to live with [Adrien Rabiot](https://theathletic.com/football/player/adrien-rabiot-FlqHlMtYfzI0Nlfb/), [Aurelien Tchouameni](https://theathletic.com/football/player/aurelien-tchouameni-3s27o6UtUPTcnWv5/) and [Antoine Griezmann](https://theathletic.com/football/player/antoine-griezmann-LNIx9qsJKyPzrxjt/), while also being a potent counter-attacking weapon in its own right. If England switch to a back three or five, they will be sitting ducks for Mbappe and company. France prefer to let teams work the ball close to their final third before turning it over and looking for a counter-attack. Kylian Mbappe has been the best player at this World Cup, but it would be unwise for England to change shape for him. Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Jordan Henderson are not the sort of players to neglect their defensive duties and Southgate is spoilt for choice in front of that trio when it comes to attacking talent. Kane will likely [play quite deep in this system](https://theathletic.com/3921986/2022/11/22/harry-kane-19-touches-world-cup/), so there needs to be another No 9-ish type ahead of him, rather than just an attacking midfielder or winger. England’s best option is to settle into a back three, employing Kyle Walker’s speed as the right centre-back, then try to plug the left-hand side with Kieran Trippier as a wing-back and Jordan Henderson in a deeper midfield role. I know there’s a strong case for switching to a back three to try to contain the threat of Kylian Mbappe, but I wouldn’t do it. Sticking with 4-3-3 means they’re a defender short, but it should also give England a better chance of competing in midfield and playing the game on their own terms. And be confident the side that eased to victory over the African champions can also unsettle a French team who are far from watertight themselves. Should he [switch to a back three](https://theathletic.com/3950207/2022/11/29/england-gareth-southgate-harry-maguire/)? [greatest tactical challenge](https://theathletic.com/3968840/2022/12/04/england-france-world-cup/) since last summer’s European Championship final.