French media have ramped up the stakes ahead of the World Cup quarter-final with England this weekend.
Les Blues made light work of Poland on Sunday, hours before the Three Lions saw off African champions Senegal. Saturday's meeting between the two old rivals will be their first at a major tournament in a decade, with the world champions out to defend their title in Qatar.
France triumphed in Russia four-and-a-half years ago, but England will offer their sternest test of this World Cup so far. Confidence is high in the French camp and the front page of a local newspaper across the Channel read: "Ready to eat the lion."
England and France have only played twice since drawing 1-1 in their opening game of Euro 2012. The Three Lions won 2-0 at Wembley Stadium back in 2015 before losing in Paris two years later. French paper L'Equipe has already begun making its predictions, citing Harry Maguire as a weak link, which they claim could prompt Gareth Southgate to revert to playing three centre-halves.
The publication wrote: "Harry Maguire's slowness could prove detrimental to the England rear guard, which Gareth Southgate could strengthen by abandoning his 4-3-3 for a 3-4-3, as he does every time he faces the best selections."
L'Equipe went on to add: "The face-off between Mbappe and Kyle Walker, who has just returned from a long groin injury that kept him away from the field for almost two months, will be key to unlocking the match. The Three Lions have often struggled against midfielders as skilled with the ball as Adrien Rabiot or Antoine Griezmann, but this time they may have their say thanks to [Jude] Bellingham, who has been a dominant box-to-box player in the tournament."
Who will come out on top in England's last eight clash with France? Tell us what you think here.
Southgate said of the mouthwatering last eight clash: "It couldn't be more exciting. France are the biggest test we could face. World champions, incredible depth of players and very difficult to score goals. A fantastic challenge."
Bukayo Saka, meanwhile, has talked up England's quality rather than dwelling on their opponents. He said: "The rivalry in this World Cup is big - two nations that have performed exceptionally well. We've followed them and we see the quality they have. It's going to be an exciting game. Obviously, we know the quality they have, but we know our own quality also. We just have to play our best game."
The Arsenal forward added: "I think of course this [England] team has a lot players that have played in big tournaments, a lot of tournament experience. The last few tournaments, we've done well. When the big games come, we have a lot of players that know what they need to do."
