England vs France summary: score, goals, highlights | Qatar World Cup 2022

WORLD CUP 2022

Argentina vs France live online: odds, lineups & predictions | World Cup 2022 final updates

Join AS USA's Joe Brennan for live coverage of the 2022 World Cup final, as Argentina and France face off at Lusail Stadium. Both teams have the chance to win their third global title - will Messi or Mbappé be celebrating later today?

WORLD CUP 2022

France vs Morocco live online: score, stats & updates | Qatar World Cup 2022

It's now Wednesday 14 December and in case you have landed on this older feed, allow us to point you towards the second semi-final of the 2022 World Cup, France vs Morocco to find out who will play Argentina in the showpiece final. 

Joe is the man in place with our live coverage to take you through all the build up ahead of the game, bringing you team news and various insights into the two sides.

And then from kick off he will carry you all the way to when the final whistle blows in Qatar. You'll not want to miss out!

WORLD CUP 2022

Argentina vs Croatia live online: score, stats & updates | Qatar World Cup 2022

It's now Tuesday 13 December and in case you have stumbled across this older feed, allow us to redirect you to the first semi-final of the 2022 World Cup, Argentina vs Croatia.

Joe is the man in place with our live coverage to take you through all the build up ahead of the game, bringing you team news and various insights into the two sides.

And then from kick off he will carry you all the way to when the final whistle blows and we have our first finalist in Qatar confirmed. You'll not want to miss out!

WORLD CUP 2022

Qatar 2022 World Cup semi-finals: qualified teams, table, schedules, matches and when they are played

Here's when the World Cup semi-finals are: Croatia vs Argentina and Morocco vs France.

"Defeat should be easier, not more difficult, for England fans to digest"

I agree 100% with Philippe here.

Mbappé registers 0.0 xG

Understandably, all the talk this week was about the danger posed by Kylian Mbappé. However, it was others who hurt England today, while Mbappé was kept relatively quiet. So much so, indeed, that he registered an xG (expected goals) of 0.0.

And according to xG specialist The xG Philosophy, Harry Kane's xG - 2.04 - was more than France combined (1.32).

Seventh hell for England

England have now exited the World Cup in the quarter-finals on seven occasions. Per Opta, that's more than any other team.

Griezmann now on three assists at World Cup 2022

A doff of the cap is due to Antoine Griezmann, who picked up two assists against England. His cross for Giroud's goal was a thing of beauty, albeit Gareth Southgate's men could certainly have defended it better.

Griezmann has now set up three goals so far in Qatar and goes joint-top in the World Cup 2022 assists charts, alongside Harry Kane and Portugal's Bruno Fernandes.

Can Deschamps emulate Pozzo?

Didier Deschamps, by the way, remains on course to become only the second coach to guide a team to two straight world titles. He'd be the first to do it in 84 years, what's more.

No coach has achieved the feat since Vittorio Pozzo led Italy to back-to-back World Cup wins in 1934 and 1938.

(Photo: Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP)

"Keep your head up, Harry"

Wayne Rooney, who now shares the England goalscoring record with Harry Kane, has tweeted: "Absolutely gutted for the lads but proud of the way they’ve played this tournament and they should be proud. Congratulations to Harry Kane on equalling the record, he’ll be on his own soon and couldn’t think of anyone better to take over. Keep your head up Harry."

England's first ever World Cup penalty miss

According to Spanish football stats specialist Pedro Martin, Kane's second penalty against France is the first time England have missed a spot-kick at the World Cup. Not including shootouts, obviously...

The Three Lions had scored 12 out of 12 until then.

Updated World Cup bracket

With all four quarter-finals now done, here's the updated knockout-stage bracket, courtesy of our colleagues at SofaScore.

Argentina or Croatia will face France or Morocco in the final on 18 December.

"Best game so far at this World Cup"

I imagine it'll serve as scant consolation to England, but 2014 World Cup winner Toni Kroos has tweeted his admiration for what he saw in today's quarter-final at Al Bayt. "France-England best game so far at this WC," the Real Madrid midfielder said.

Jordan Pickford (right) and Kieran Trippier (left) console Harry Kane after the final whistle at Al Bayt Stadium.

(Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

Giroud goes second in Golden Boot race

Olivier Giroud's winning goal was his fourth at this World Cup, taking the striker to joint-second in the Golden Boot standings in Qatar.

He's level with Argentina's Lionel Messi, and one behind compatriot Kylian Mbappé.

(Photo: Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP)

France the first holders into semis in over two decades

France are into the semi-finals for the second World Cup running - and have broken a barren run for holders at the World Cup. Before today, the last time the defending champions had made it through to the last four was Brazil in 1998.

What's more, France are the first European World Cup holders to reach the semis since West Germany in 1958.

Kane sends his second penalty of the game over Lloris' crossbar.

(Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP)

"Heartbreaking once again"

Former England captain Gary Lineker has tweeted his instant reaction to that defeat for the Three Lions: "Heartbreaking once again, but no shame in losing to an excellent French team and congratulations to them. There was so little to choose between the two sides. This fine young England team gave their all and will only get better. Their time will come."

Semi-finals set

So, that's the last-four line-up set in Qatar.

Argentina and Morocco will face off at Khalifa International Stadium on Tuesday, before France take on Morocco at Al Bayt on Wednesday.

Peeep peeep peeeep! And it's all over at Al Bayt! France are through to the semi-finals, where they will face Morocco!

It was such a closely-fought battle. Kane - and many England fans - will be having nightmares about that penalty miss for years to come.

Rashford takes... but it curls just, just over Lloris' bar! So close.

Here's a free-kick chance for England!

Maguire is brought down on the edge of the France box, and it looks like Rashford will hit it. He's already scored one free-kick at this World Cup, you'll remember.

Mbappé carries the ball towards the corner and slumps to the turf under an alleged push by Sterling, but the referee says no free-kick.

England clear.

A change for England, who bring on Grealish for Stones. All out attack for the final couple of minutes.

Stones is down and in pain after Giroud accidentally treads on the defender.

It's certainly not the moment for Stones to be playing for time, so he must be in some pain.

Sterling clips the ball forward towards Mount's run into the France box, but Hernández clears.

England come again, though, Shaw whipping a cross into the area. Again, though, it's delivered too close to Lloris, who is off his line to claim with ease.

Shaw's corner is cleared, but England immediately regain possession.

Sterling sends it into the box, but it's right into Lloris' arms.

Mbappé takes on Walker on the left wing, but is finally dispossessed when Sterling tracks back to help his team-mate out.

At the other end, Lloris flaps slightly at Shaw's high ball into the France box, and England have a corner.

Varane delivers the resulting free-kick high to the corner of the England box, where Giroud knocks it down towards Mbappé. 

Mbappé tries to spin away from Stones to shoot, but is dispossessed.

Eight minutes of time added on at Al Bayt Stadium.

Maguire is booked for a heavy challenge on Griezmann. That's England's first booking of the tournament.

Back come England, Mount bringing the ball forward and shooting from 30 yards or so out. He fires well over the bar, however.

Mount delivers a free-kick from deep high into the France area, where Maguire wins the header. He nods it down towards Bellingham, but the midfielder can't get on the end of it. France clear.

Walker tumbles under a late challenge by Giroud, and gives the striker a look of absolute daggers.

Just over three minutes for England to find an equaliser, having just failed to take a golden opportunity to level.

England make another substitution, replacing Foden with Marcus Rashford.

Hernández was booked for the foul that brought about the penalty, by the way.

Kane misses the penalty! The England captain skies it!

What an opportunity spurned.

Penalty to England! After watching that Hernández challenge again, the referee points to the spot!

Oh, hello... Hernández appears to shove Mount over in the box, and VAR will have a look at it.

A short wait later, the referee is told to go to the pitchside monitor and have a look!

England react by making a double change: Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount are on for Saka and Henderson.

France also make a change, replacing Dembélé with Kingsley Coman.

France almost do! Pickford produces a crucial save for England!

Dembélé, of all people, wins a high ball delivered towards the back of the box, and nods down to Giroud. His volley is directed towards the corner, but Pickford beats it out!

Fifteen minutes to go in normal time.

Can either side find a goal?

Dembélé crosses from the right, but Stones hooks it clear.

The clearance is only as far as Hernández, who whips an outswinging ball into the area to Giroud, but the striker can't connect with it.

Bellingham tumbles to the floor in the box under Upamecano's challenge, but the referee says no penalty. Bellingham is furious, but in fact the replay suggests he has nothing to be furious about. Nothing in it.

So close from Saka! England are starting to knock on the door here.

Shaw is involved again, firing a low cross from the left to the back post, where Saka is arriving with Hernández in close attendance. At the last moment, Saka manages to get himself in front of Hernández, but he can't direct his shot goalwards.

Foden wins a high ball against Koundé at the back of the France box, and the ball drops right to Shaw. There are cries of 'shooooot!', but Shaw dallies just a moment too long, and his way to goal is closed off.

Saka wins a free-kick in the right-hand channel, in a nice position for England to swing the ball into the box.

Henderson delivers right on to Maguire's head... but the defender can't quite direct his effort into the corner! The ball grazes the outside of the post and flies wide!

That was a really good chance for England to take the lead.

Mbappé clips a high ball from the left over towards Dembélé at the back of the box. Shaw gets his jump all wrong and allows the ball to fly over his head to Dembélé, but the winger's volleyed pass into the centre of the box can't find a blue shirt. 

Tchouaméni lifts a ball into Giroud's run into the box, but the AC Milan striker can't get on the end of it. 

He appears to hurt himself in the process of stretching for the ball, but is soon back up on his feet.

Kane the World Cup's penalty king

Opta note that Harry Kane has scored four penalties at World Cups - more than any other player.

Kane tries to dink a ball into Shaw's run into the France box, but Upamecano gets his head to it. The ball runs to Griezmann, who has the chance to launch a counter-attack, but Rice does well to nip his forward incursion in the bud.

Again England get a shot away. They've been so much better in this second half.

Saka cuts in from the right and feeds Kane, who has peeled off into space at the corner of the France box. He gets the ball out of his feet and strikes at goal, but can't get enough power behind it to trouble Lloris. 

That's excellent attacking play by Saka. Receiving the ball from Stones some 40 yards or so out from goal, he turns and sets off towards the France box. Making his way into the area, he shoots low - but can't get enough on his strike. Lloris saves.

That goal from the spot takes Kane to 53 goals for England, level with Wayne Rooney's record haul for the men's team.

Kane brings England level from the spot.

(Photo: REUTERS/Lee Smith)

England are opened up for a second time since equalising. 

Mbappé shows Walker a clean pair of heels and charges towards the left-hand byline, before cutting the ball back towards the penalty spot. Giroud and Dembélé are both waiting, but the former can't connect with the pass, and the latter can't bring it under his spell.

England clear.

Right away, Rabiot almost puts France back in front!

The midfielder is given far too much space to latch on to a forward ball and fire at goal from the edge of the area, but Pickford saves well!

Penalty to England!

Saka is tripped by Tchouaméni in the penalty area, and England have the chance to level!

Henderson slips a lovely little ball into the box for Saka, who has space to scuttle towards the byline. He has Kane waiting inside the box, but France clear. The loose ball drops only as far as Henderson, who launches a first-time strike at goal... but it's blocked.

A really good start to the second half from England.

Griezmann swings a free-kick into the box from the left, but Kane is there to head away at the near post. Giroud is then flagged offside, and England can clear.

The corner is almost nodded down for Rice to strike from close range, but France just get it clear before the West Ham man can make contact with it.

A promising start to the second half from England.

So close to an equaliser by Bellingham! Foden's corner finally falls to the Borussia Dortmund midfielder on the edge of the area, where he absolutely lashes it towards goal. Lloris does very well to tip it over!

England start on the front foot, Bellingham surging forward down the left. He then fires a low ball into the box, where it's knocked behind for a corner. 

Bellingham was fouled by Dembélé just before releasing that cross, and the France winger is booked for that challenge.

Peeeep! Back underway at Al Bayt Stadium.

No half-time substitutions for either side.

England must beat the stats to defeat France

Look away now, England fans. According to Opta, the Three Lions have never won a World Cup match when they've been trailing at the break.

Tchouaméni's goal had xG of 0.02

That Tchouaméni goal was his first for France in a competitive match, SofaScore note. The Real Madrid midfielder, who is winning his 19th cap today, had already scored one for Les Bleus in a freindly against the Ivory Coast in March.

His strike today had an expected goals (xG) value of 0.02 - the joint-least likely goal of the tournament so far.

The other two goals with an xG of 0.02 were Lionel Messi's for Argentina against Mexico, and Rafael Leão's for Portugal against Switzerland.

France's Aurélien Tchouaméni (right) celebrates his goal, which separates the sides at half time.

(Photo: REUTERS/Dylan Martinez)

Peeep peeep peeeep! France lead at the break, courtesy of Aurélien Tchouaméni's fine strike in the 17th minute.

England made the holders sweat for a 10 to 15-minute spell after Tchouaméni's opener, but in the main the French have looked pretty much in control.

No, at least not from this corner. Foden delivers deep; too deep. 

Bellingham then appears to foul Hernández, but no free-kick is given. Either way, France clear.

Upamecano hoofs a long ball up towards Mbappé, but it's too long. Walker watches it out for a goal-kick.

At the other end, Stones sends a high pass up to Shaw's run forward, and Koundé is forced to head it behind for a corner.

Can England find a leveller right before the break?

The France fans are in the midst of a noisy rendition of "La Marseillaise".

England keep it in the France half for a good minute, but when Saka tries to twist away from Rabiot and Tchouaméni and into shooting space at the top of the box, he's dispossessed.

Four minutes of time added on at Al Bayt Stadium.

Half time is nearly here, and France have very definitely weathered that post-goal England storm. Didier Deschamps' men look much more at ease right now.

Mbappé flops to the turf under an England challenge out on the left wing, but isn't going to get a free-kick.

A moment later, Griezmann brings down Walker... and is given the game's first yellow card. He isn't among the France players who came into this clash on a booking. 

At the other end, Kane nods the ball down at the back post, but can't find anyone in an England shirt. France clear.

There's a chance for Mbappé! That lull is officially over. 

Griezmann takes a free-kick short to Dembélé, who immediately plays it first-time to meet Hernández's run into the England box. Hernández quickly turns and cuts it back to Mbappé on the penalty spot, but the PSG striker hits it over the bar!

A well-worked training-ground move.

England had been the side in the ascendancy, but we've hit a bit of lull in the last couple of minutes.

The Three Lions look to fizz a quick ball out to Henderson on the right, but Rice's pass is overhit, and it flies out.

Griezmann racks up 27th France assist

Griezmann's assist for that Tchouaméni goal was his 27th for France - more than any other player for Les Bleus in the past half century, Opta say.

England again feed it right to Saka, who twists and turns before cutting inside and making his way across the top of the France box. He then tumbles under the challenge of Hernández, but the referee deems that there's no free-kick to be given. Hernández got the ball, Mr Sampaio says.

England give it away carelessly, allowing France to break. Mbappé leads the charge down the left, but Walker does well to dispossess the striker. A let-off for the English.

Said corner almost leads to a chance for one of Stones or Maguire to shoot from point-blank range! The ball drops to the turf inside the six-yard box, where there's momentary confusion, before Rabiot - I think - scrambles it away.

All England at the mo.

England have had the initiative since that France goal. Saka carries it forward, before slipping it right to Henderson. The Liverpool captain tries to feed a return ball to Saka inside the 18-yard area, but can't find his colleague.

Back come England, though, working it to Kane in shooting space just outside the box. He doesn't need a second invitation to have a dig, and fires a shot towards Lloris' top corner. The keeper is quickly across to get a hand to it, and it will be an England corner!

One VAR check later, Wilton Sampaio's original decision has been upheld.

It was clearly a foul, but as it didn't appear to take place inside the box, the referee's original decision can't be changed.

England are screaming for a penalty! Kane wins the ball back off Upamecano, advances into the box and tumbles to the turf, but the referee says it's not a spot-kick!

A look at the replay suggests Kane was brought down, but just outside the area.

England have come to life in attack since going behind. 

Saka collects the ball on the right, before playing it inside to Kane. He does very well to hold off his man, spin and charge into the box, but Lloris is quickly out to meet him and close the angle. Lloris blocks Kane's attempt, and the loose ball falls back to Henderson, who lifts it back into the danger area. However, with Lloris scrambling to get back into his goal, nobody in an England shirt can get on the end of it.

That Tchouaméni strike is the first goal that England have conceded since their opening-game victory over Iran, by the way.

Shaw takes the free-kick... but it's too close to Lloris. The France goalkeeper gathers with relative ease.

Can England hit right back? 

Saka skips past Rabiot just outside the France box, and is brought down by the Juventus midfielder.

It's a hugely enticing dead-ball opportunity for the Three Lions...

Walker prods it forward to Saka, who tries to wriggle his way into crossing space. He's robbed by Upamecano, and...

That's fine play by Rabiot, who thunders forward through the midfield, before laying it to the left for Mbappé. He spots Dembélé's run to the back post, but overhits his cross. Dembélé isn't getting anywhere near that delivery.

Just as I say that, Rice wins it back in a midfield area where France don't want to be losing the ball, and plays it forward to Kane. He sets off towards goal, but has two men on him, and is driven wide. The chance is lost, and England play it backwards and look to start again.

England were on the front foot for the first few minutes or so, but it's all France ball right now.  

France are starting to get into their stride. Griezmann scampers forward towards the England area, before slipping it right to Dembélé. The Barcelona winger clips in a first-time cross to the penalty spot, where Giroud is waiting to direct a header at Pickford's goal. He can't get a whole lot of power behind his effort, however, and the England keeper grabs hold.

Griezmann's corner is delivered to the near post, where it's headed away.

Back come France. Les Bleus work it right to Dembélé, who fizzes a low ball into the area. England clear it, but the French recycle it back out to the right. Griezmann receives the ball and heads towards the byline, before Bellingham gets a foot in to send it out for a France corner.

Upamecano lifts a high ball up towards the England box, where that should be Walker's ball. The defender gets his header all wrong, though, nodding it right to a blue shirt. The French work it quickly to Mbappé, who curls a ball into the area with the outside of his right boot. England deal with it, but that's a warning. Gareth Southgate's men can't afford those kinds of moments of sloppiness. 

It's a bright start by England. Foden is brought down by Dembélé on the left wing, and Shaw has a chance to delicer the ball into the box.

France deal with Shaw's cross, however, and the flag was up anyway. Maguire was a touch offside.

A moment later, Henderson feeds it to Foden, who has peeled off into space at the top of the France box. He turns quickly before hitting the bouncing ball, but his strike is deflected away from goal.

Saka does very well to pick Upamecano's pocket, and suddenly England are haring forward towards the France box. Saka feeds it left to Kane, who takes one touch before trying to curl a cross into the danger area... but his cross is blocked.

France launch their first attack, Theo bursting forward before feeding it left to Mbappé. He finds his way towards goal blocked, and England finally get it clear.

Right away, Maguire boots it out of play and signals to the referee that there's a problem with the ball. It lasted literally about 20 seconds.

Peeeeep! Wilton Sampaio gets us underway at Al Bayt!

Who will be facing Morocco in the semi-finals? We're about to find out.

A reminder of the teams

England:

Pickford, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw, Rice, Henderson, Bellingham, Saka, Kane and Foden.

France:

Lloris, Koundé, Upamecano, Varane, Theo Hernández, Tchouaméni, Rabiot, Griezmann, Dembélé, Giroud and Mbappé.

Out come the teams!

The teams have just made their way on to the field at Al Bayt Stadium, where it's anthems time. England first.

Christ, it's a boring song. "La Marseillaise" is up next; now that's a tune.

Brazil's Sampaio to take charge of clash

Brazil’s Wilton Sampaio will be the match referee at Al Bayt Stadium.

The 40-year-old, who has been a FIFA international referee since 2013, has taken charge of three World Cup 2022 games so far: the Netherlands’ 2-0 Group A win over Senegal; Poland’s 2-0 Group C victory over Saudi Arabia; and the Netherlands' 3-1 last-16 triumph over the US.

My colleague Andy Hall as more on Sampaio.

England's World Cup record: at a glance

Meanwhile, 1966 winners England are out to qualify for the World Cup semi-finals for only the fourth time in their history. The Three Lions have so far never reached the last four at consecutive World Cups.

(Image: SofaScore)

France's World Cup record: at a glance

With twenty minutes to go until kick-off at Al Bayt Stadium, let’s take a quick look back over the two teams’ World Cup records.

France are two-time world champions, having lifted the trophy in 1998 and four years ago in Russia.

If they beat England today, France will become the first defending champions to make it to the World Cup semi-finals since Brazil in 1998. What’s more, they’d be the first European holders to reach the World Cup’s last four since West Germany all the way back in 1958.

Were they to go all the way and win the trophy for a third time, the French would be the first team to retain their title since Brazil in 1962.

(Image: SofaScore)

England's players warm up at Al Bayt.

(Photo: REUTERS/Dylan Martinez)

Kane one away from Rooney record

While Mbappé leads the way in Qatar with five goals, 2018 Golden Boot winner Harry Kane has only the one to his name so far, scored against Senegal in the last 16.

However, Kane is joint-top of the assists charts - alongside Portugal's Bruno Fernandes - with three. 

And if the Spurs ace scores against France today, he'll equal Wayne Rooney’s record haul of 53 career goals for the England men’s team.

(Photo: REUTERS/Dylan Martinez)

Warm-ups underway!

France players warm up at Al Bayt Stadium.

(Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)

Mbappé out for 10 wins from 10 as World Cup starter

Kylian Mbappé starts tonight with five goals to his name at the 2022 World Cup - more than anyone else in Qatar. At the age of just 23, he scored the 250th goal of his professional career against Poland.

Ominously for England, France have won all nine World Cup games that Mbappé has started. 

The Paris Saint-Germain star has either scored or assisted all of France’s last seven World Cup goals.

Put simply, he’s decent.

(Photo: JESUS ALVAREZ ORIHUELA/DIARIO AS)

More from France boss Deschamps

Here are some more quotes from Deschamps' pre-match press conference yesterday - including his eye-catching comment that England "don't have any" weaknesses:

The importance of pace:

“[Pace] is often one of the keys to a match, because when you’re quick, your opponent has less time to get organised. You can stop a lot of things, but it’s very difficult to stop someone when they’re quick, especially in transitions. And the England team is very strong in its transitions; more than half of its goals have been scored in that way. With quick counter-attacks."

What are England’s weaknesses?

“They don’t have any. All teams have strengths, not all have many weaknesses, but slightly less strong points. You have to identify areas where you think you can attack them.”

Koundé, Tchouaméni musn't play "with handbrake brake on"

Speaking to the media yesterday, France boss Didier Deschamps said Jules Koundé and Aurélien Tchouaméni must avoid playing "with the handbrake on", despite being a booking away from a ban.

“The most important thing is just to say, ‘Be careful,'" Deschamps said. "You’re not expecting them to play at half pace. We’re at an important stage in the tournament now, so they’re going to have to dig deep and give everything to help win the match.

"We’re not expecting them to play with the handbrake on. I think that would be the worst thing to do.”

(Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

Who's on a booking?

A reminder that players get a one-match ban if they receive single yellow cards in two separate games at the World Cup, although outstanding bookings are wiped after the quarter-finals.

That doesn't help anyone who goes into tonight's game on a yellow, though; a second yellow of the tournament would see him miss the semi-finals if his team gets there.

The players on a yellow card are:

France: Jules Koundé and Aurélien Tchouaméni.

England: Nobody! So far in Qatar, no English player has received a yellow or red card.

An England fan inside Al Bayt Stadium.

(Photo: REUTERS/Hannah Mckay)

England and France both unchanged

Gareth Southgate and Didier Deschamps have both named the same starting line-ups that began their last-16 wins over Senegal and Poland, respectively.

After a lot of talk about whether or not Southgate would switch to three at the back, it looks like the England head coach has stuck with the 4-3-3 he's used so far in Qatar.

That said, I did hear the Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke wonder whether England would play with the same personnel but indeed switch to a back three. Saka and Shaw would be the two wing-backs, with - if I understood Pitt-Brooke correctly - Rice, Henderson and Bellingham in midfield, and Foden just behind Kane.

We'll see. I imagine it'll be four at the back. 

England team news

And within a minute of the French side being confirmed, the England starting line-up has also been announced. Gareth Southgate has gone with: Pickford, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw, Rice, Henderson, Bellingham, Saka, Kane and Foden.

France team news

France's starting line-up has just been announced. It is: Lloris, Koundé, Upamecano, Varane, Hernández, Tchouaméni, Rabiot, Griezmann, Dembélé, Giroud and Mbappé.

France supporters outside Al Bayt Stadium before Les Bleus' clash with England.

(Photo: REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed)

In pictures: England's stadium arrival

And here are some pictures, courtesy of England's social-media team, of the Three Lions' arrival at Al Bayt a few minutes ago.

England players on the pitch at Al Bayt Stadium ahead of kick-off against France.

(Photo: REUTERS/Hannah Mckay)

More pre-match comments from Southgate

Plan for a potential penalty shootout:

“We’re talking about penalties again [laughs]. We have a plan, but of course when you get to the end of the game, maybe some players don’t feel as confident, or [feel] more confident, or have an injury. All of those things have happened in the previous shootouts that we’ve had. We are as well prepared as we can be.”

Looking forward to France challenge:

“I’m really excited about the game, I’m excited about the challenge. It’s been a brilliant game to prepare for. You want those games of tactical detail and that stretch your team. The work is done now, really […]. A little bit of work tomorrow [Saturday] morning on some final details, but we’re ready for the game. I think the players are ready, and we’re really looking forward to it.”

Southgate: I don't say anything to team right before game

Asked what he tends to say to his players in the moments before kick-off, Southgate said:

“Nothing at all. Harry [Kane] does it. By that point, the messages are done, the work’s done. It’s up to the players. We speak a lot during the week, we’ll speak before we leave the hotel to go to the ground, and then I leave it to the players.

"Frankly, there are lots of times when I played and a manager spoke at that point, and I thought, ‘Look, I’m ready. All you can do is mess it up for me now.'”

(Photo by David GANNON / AFP)

"Kyle is ready" - Southgate on Walker ahead of likely Mbappé battle

Let's take a look at a few other things Gareth Southgate said in his pre-match press conference yesterday.

Firstly, the England boss was asked about the likely head-to-head battle between speedsters Kyle Walker and Kylian Mbappé - and whether Walker, who has only just returned from a groin injury, is ready to face the France striker.

“We always wanted to give Kyle the opportunity to be fit for the tournament," Southgate said. "He’s been a very important player for us over the last six years. I think we’ve managed that process well, the right reintroduction into the team, in terms of minutes against Wales and 90 minutes in the last game, which for any player is important. So Kyle is ready.

"We of course are talking about one of the opposition, but we play France, who are a fantastic team. We’re aware of all of their attacking players and we’re aware of the quality of the whole squad. That’s what has made them so strong to be able to cope with the loss of some very big players.

"I think that’s what Didier [Deschamps] has created. He’s created a team that is stronger than the individuals, and I would say maybe that wasn’t always the case, in the same way it wasn’t always the case with us. So that’s great credit to him. We know we’ve got to be at our very best to win the game.”

(Photos: REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah)

France head coach Didier Deschamps arrives at Al Bayt Stadium.

(Photo: Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

France's Kylian Mbappé arrives at Al Bayt Stadium ahead of today's quarter-final clash. 

(Photo: Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Sterling back with England for France clash

Raheem Sterling is back with the England squad, having this week returned to the UK to check on the well-being of his family after intruders broke into their home.

Sterling, who started England's first two matches in Qatar, seems unlikely to be in the line-up against France, but Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate yesterday welcomed his return to the fold.

"It’s great that he’s back with us, first and foremost," Southgate told reporters. "He wanted to train today. Normally we wouldn’t do that, having been on a long flight. But it was a lighter session, so there was no risk with doing that.

"He’ll be involved tomorrow, but what that looks like, we’ve got to decide, because I haven’t been able to see him on the training pitch, so it’s really hard to tell what his level is. He’s not been with us in terms of on the pitch since Saturday. So we’ll just have to assess that.

"But I’m really pleased he’s back, and of course he’s an important player for us.”

WORLD CUP 2022

England vs France, World Cup 2022 quarter-finals: date, times and how to watch

Just under two hours to go until kick-off at Al Bayt.

Should you be wondering how to tune in to England vs France, let me point you in the direction of my colleague Jeffrey May's guide on where you can watch the game on TV or stream it online.

All over at Al Thumama! Morocco are through!

The final whistle has gone at Al Thumama, and Morocco have upset the odds again! Walid Regragui's men have beaten Portugal 1-0 and have become the first African side to qualify for the World Cup semi-finals!

So, now we know: England or France will face Morocco on Tuesday.

Follow all the reaction live with Roddy.

(Photo: NELSON ALMEIDA / AFP)

WORLD CUP 2022

Morocco vs Portugal live online: second half, score, stats and updates | Qatar World Cup 2022

We're deep into eight minutes of stoppage time at Al Thumama, where Morocco have just missed a glorious opportunity to score a second. The North Africans have also just had Walid Cheddira sent off for a second bookable offence.

1-0 at remains.

Follow it live with Roddy!

France at World Cup 2022: the story so far

France were the first team to qualify for the knockouts in Qatar, after opening up with 4-1 and 2-1 wins over Australia and Denmark, respectively. That victory over the Australians made the French the first World Cup holders to win their first group game since Brazil 16 years ago.

France then lost their final group game against Tunisia, but there’s not too much that can be read into that result: after all, with his side already through, head coach Didier Deschamps made nine changes. Of his expected starters today, only Raphaël Varane and Aurélien Tchouaméni were in the line-up.

In the last 16, Kylian Mbappé’s brace fired the French to a 3-1 victory over Poland, with Olivier Giroud also on the scoresheet for Les Bleus. Giroud’s goal was his 52nd for France - a new national men’s record.

France's results at World Cup 2022:

22 November: France 4-1 Australia

26 November: France 2-1 Denmark

30 November: Tunisia 0-1 France

4 December: France 3-1 Poland

(Photo: REUTERS/Dylan Martinez)

Morocco close to historic semi-final berth

Ten minutes to go at Al Thumama, by the way. Morocco still lead the Portuguese 1-0, thanks to that first-half Youssef En-Nesyri goal.

It would be the first time in World Cup history that an African nation has reached the semi-finals.

Follow the action live with Roddy.

(Photo: KARIM JAAFAR / AFP)

England at World Cup 2022: the story so far

In reaching the quarter-finals in Qatar, England have scored 12 goals - the joint-most at this World Cup, alongside Portugal. It’s the most the Three Lions have ever managed at a major tournament.

That healthy goals column is largely thanks to the hatful they smacked in against Iran in their opening game of the group, a 6-2 win at Khalifa International Stadium. A dull goalless draw with the US then followed, before England won Group B with a 3-0 victory over neighbours Wales.

In the last 16, Gareth Southgate’s men actually looked pretty jittery for the first half an hour or so, before two goals on the break - scored by Jordan Henderson and Harry Kane - settled them down. After half time, Bukayo Saka completed a 3-0 win. 

England's results so far at World Cup 2022:

21 November: England 6-2 Iran

25 November: England 0-0 USA

29 November: Wales 0-3 England

4 December: England 3-0 Senegal

(Photo: REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)

...as is France's!

If neatness of folding were a tiebreaker, I'd give it to England, I reckon.

England's dressing room is all set!

A general view of England's dressing room ahead of today's quarter-final clash with France at Al Bayt Stadium.

(Photo by Shaun Botterill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Morocco still ahead as Ronaldo comes on for Portugal

Over at Al Thumam Stadium, it remains Morocco 1-0 Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo is on for the Seleçao, who have half an hour to find an equaliser...

Follow live-text coverage of today's first quarter-final with Roddy.

(Photo: REUTERS/Paul Childs)

The last time England and France met in all comps

That’s England and France’s last World Cup meetings covered, then. When it comes to their last meeting in all competitions, meanwhile… well, that’s a game that brings back unhappy memories for the English.

On the face of it, France’s 3-2 win in a 2017 friendly in Paris sounds like an eminently respectable result for the visitors. In truth, however, it was a brutal demonstration in how inferior England were to the world's elite at that point.

After Raphaël Varane was sent off, France played with 10 men for almost the entire second half, yet were still comfortably better than England.

Samuel Umtiti, Djibril Sidibé and Ousmane Dembélé got the goals for Les Bleus, while Harry Kane scored two for England.

England and France's previous World Cup meetings

England and France’s first World Cup matchup came in the group stage in 1966, the Three Lions winning 2-0 at Wembley thanks to a brace by Roger Hunt. 

Twenty-six years later, at Spain ’82, the nations were pitted against one another in the groups again, in what remains their most recent meeting in the tournament.

It was a victory for England that brought a memorable early goal, Bryan Robson scoring for Ron Greenwood’s side after just 27 seconds in Bilbao.

Gerard Soler later equalised for the French, before Robson and Paul Mariner secured a 3-1 triumph for the English.

Robson's first goal is currently the fourth-fastest in World Cup history:

First meeting in a knockout tie

Today's game between England and France will be the first time the teams have ever played each other in the knockout stages of either the World Cup or the European Championship.

The countries have met in the group stages of both major tournaments, however. 

In the World Cup, there have been two first-round clashes between sides - and England won both. They were a little while ago, though...

Football journalist Grant Wahl dies while covering World Cup

Before we begin looking ahead to England vs France, I'd just like to touch on some extremely sad news that has emerged in the wake of Argentina and the Netherland’s quarter-final on Friday. It has been confirmed that leading US football journalist Grant Wahl has died after collapsing during the match at Lusail Stadium.

In a statement, US Soccer said: “The entire US Soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl. Fans of soccer and journalism of the highest quality knew we could always count on Grant to deliver insightful and entertaining stories about out game, and its major protagonists: teams, players, coaches and the many personalities that make soccer unlike any sport.

“Here in the United States, Grant’s passion for soccer and commitment to elevating its profile across our sporting landscape played a major role in helping drive interest in and respect for our beautiful game. As important, Grant’s beliefs in the power of the game to advance human rights was, and will remain, and inspiration to all.”

We at AS USA send our sincerest condolences to Grant’s loved ones. 

WORLD CUP 2022

Morocco vs Portugal live online: first half, score, stats and updates | Qatar World Cup 2022

We're currently in the process of finding out which of Morocco or Portugal will be waiting in the semis. It's half time in today's first quarter-final at Al Thumama Stadium, where the Moroccans lead through Youssef En-Nesyri's 42nd-minute strike.

We of course have live-text coverage of that game - join my colleague Roddy Cons for all the action.

I'll also be sure to keep you abreast of any goals in Morocco vs Portugal in this feed.

England vs France: welcome!

Hello! To borrow a phrase from the great Des Lynam, you’ve obviously heard there’s a football match on.

It's a box-office clash, alright.

In the last of the quarter-finals in Qatar, England and reigning champions France meet at the World Cup for the first time in 40 years, with the winners earning themselves a semi-final tie against either Morocco or Portugal.

Kick-off at Al Bayt Stadium is at 2pm ET/11am PT, so about three hours away. The team news should be dropping in about two hours’ time.