England won't fear France in World Cup showdown, says Saka

Bukayo Saka said on Monday England have no reason to feel inferior to France as they prepare to face the World Cup holders in a blockbuster quarter-final.

Fuelled by the brilliance of Kylian Mbappe, France have powered through to the last eight in formidable fashion as they look to retain the trophy.

Mbappe is the tournament's leading scorer with five goals and his lethal form has convinced many pundits to make France the favourites in the last-eight showdown at the Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday.

Even England boss Gareth Southgate conceded after his team's 3-0 win against Senegal in the last 16 that France will pose the "acid test" of the Three Lions' title bid.

But England forward Saka, who scored against Senegal after being selected instead of Marcus Rashford, is adamant his side deserve as much respect as Les Bleus.

"We know the qualities they have but we also know our own qualities. We've had three clean sheets and at the same time we've scored the most goals (in the tournament)," Saka told reporters.

"There's a lot of tournament experience now. If you look at the results from the last few tournaments we've been in, we've got to a semi-final and a final. So when the big games come, we have a lot of players who know what they need to do.

"We are feeling good right now. Of course, we have to believe we can win the tournament."

With the red-hot Mbappe providing the cutting edge to a formidable France attack, there have been suggestions Southgate should use a three-man central defence in a bid to tame the holders.

Saka acknowledged France's threat, saying: "There's only one Kylian Mbappe. He's up there with the best players in the world.

"We know the quality he has and we have to be prepared to stop him. But not just him, France