_{Creative design thanks to Canva}

In a few days, we will witness one of the most classic matchups in this edition of the World Cup. This is arguably the two teams that are so stacked with young talents and I believe everyone will agree that the future is bright for these two nations.

Coming both as top of their respective groups, England secures a top spot in group B while France holds the top position in group C, both have also won a comfortable knockout stage wins over Senegal (3-0) and Poland (3-1) respectively. These teams also has the highest squad values with England being 1st and France being the 3rd. No wonder I can say this is truly a classic European powerhouse matchup.

A little history, France is the current title holder of the Fifa World Cup, while England are the semifinalist of the 2020 Euro, where they lost to Italy via penalties. These teams are at the peak of their momentum and have the quality of players that can carry them to the trophy.

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Their Strength are their young Talent Pool

_{Squad value per nation in Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022, (Image: Sporting Pedia)}

While both teams are the teams having the deepest squad depth, I couldn't dare not to mention that these teams have the highest number of brightest stars in world football. These young generation are the also teams biggest asset, meaning they provide more impact than the older squadmates. See post below to see the similarity of their squad depth and notice how impactful these young stars are for their national teams.

French National Team

• Kylian Mbappe - One of the best current footballers in this generation. The most preferred attacker by the fans. Very deadly striker.
• Aurélien Tchouaméni - a very bright defensive midfield (look where most defenders pass the ball, they always look for this kid)
• Ousmane Dembele - right wing partner of Mbappe. A very deadly and agile winger.
• Jules Kounde - flexible defender, a CB but currently being assigned as RB
• Camavinga - not really used, but his guy is a solid midfielder
• Benjamin Pavard - a right-back capable of scoring from the outside
• Upamecano & Konate - strong work-ethic defenders. They proved as a solid substitute to injured Kimpembe
• Kingsley Coman - the Bayern Munich winger who can also kill defenders one-on-one

England National Team

• Jude Bellingham - the most influential player. I'd say he provides the most "impact" for the team because of his work ethic, accurate & timely passes.
• Bukayo Saka - a very talented winger that provides so much aggression and fire power
• Phil Foden - so technical and huge understanding of the game. Very mature when it comes to playing as a team & a very deadly attacker.
• Mason Mount - the Chelsea star that has yet to prove for this competition but is very successful for the club he's playing
• Marcus Rashford - he's back in his old playing form. He's been banging goals for England as he gains the confidence again.
• Aaron Ramsdale - has the quality to be the top-choice keeper. Very confident & composed with accurate passing.

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France is "More" Favored to Win

Being the defending champion, I believe you will understand me why they're more favored than the English team. Another factor for me that makes this French team very dangerous is not just about Mbappe, but I believe the player that makes this squad very dangerous is the addition of Tchouameni. He truly controls the midfield and he knows exactly where to perfectly position a pass. If you look at him playing closely, you'll know the reason why I'm truly all in for this guy. This guy holds an aggressive defensive midfield position while becoming the entrance for the chance to attack. He's the man responsible finding the perfect spaces to continue the build up.

They are also most favored to win because Mbappe and Dembele are currently at their peak forms. You see Mbappe is the current top scorer in this competition and if you'll give him a slight chance, this man's gonna kill your squad. I truly believe almost everyone would agree that Mbappe is the most dangerous attacker in this world cup.

But you can't just neglect England. As I always say, this squad is very determined. In fact, most of their players are on-form and "injury free". What's not good to see for this squad are the unavailability of Ben White and Raheem Sterling due to personal reasons. This is a bit sad because these players are regular starters for the squad and that they have been doing well in the group stages & and KO stage.

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Are you also Hyped?

Just like most of the football fans in this world, this is one of the most exciting match that I can't miss watching. I probably like to watch this over Argentina vs Netherlands, where I was really rooting for Messi to win. This is gonna be a war, this will be an all-out war because both teams know that they both have the power scoring goals. England proved that by scoring 6 goals against Iran and with France scoring 4 goals against Australia in their opening game.

I'm so hyped while I'm even writing this post. I can feel the drama and emotions being poured by the fans and players for this game. Football is alive in my heart, thanks to these beautiful moments.

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If incase you missed my other World cup related posts, you can check it below:

The Unexpected Winners Argentina Tops Group	The Curious Case of "Group E"
The Champions League "Curse" Has Been Broken	Messi Steps up when Needed the Most
Argentina Disappoints Everyone	France is Facing the World Cup Curse
Qatar Bans Beer Inside & Outside World Cup Stadiums	What A Crazy World Cup of 2022
The Playoffs Stage is Set - The Knockout Stages

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