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World Cup: England v France major tournament history

Pre-tournament predictions warned England fans they would need to prepare for a quarter-final clash with France and, after their 3-0 victory over Senegal on Sunday, that is exactly what awaits them this week.

Gareth Southgate's side were slow out of the blocks at the Al Bayt Stadium, but they soon showcased their skills to record a 3-0 success. Midfielder Jordan Henderson opened the scoring before second-half goals from Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka ensured England play France in the next round.

Didier Deschamps' outfit secured their spot in the last eight earlier on Sunday, winning 3-1 against Poland. Kylian Mbappe scored another two goals to move closer to winning the Golden Boot.

What: England v France
Where: Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor
When: 19:00, Saturday 10th December 2022
How to watch: ITV1
Odds: England 21/10, Draw 11/5, France 11/8

And Saturday's meeting is not the first match-up between these two sides at a major tournament, and we take a trip down memory lane to remember some of the iconic battles between the pair.

England 2-0 France - 1966 World Cup

England's first and so far only World Cup success involved a win over France in the group stages.

An incredible 98,000 fans witnessed Roger Hunt score either side of half-time to ensure England finished top of their group by one point.

After finishing top of the pile, the Three Lions faced Argentina in the quarter-finals rather than West Germany, and that was enough to help them go all the way and get their hands on the trophy.

England 3-1 France - 1982 World Cup

The two sides met once again at the 1982 World Cup in Spain, 16 years after England's iconic win at Wembley. Despite the warmer conditions, England still managed to secure the same outcome.

Ron Greenwood's troops did enough to finish top of Group 4, and the 1982 clash is fondly remembered for Bryan Robson's goal.

His strike after just 27 seconds put England on their way, and it remains his country's quickest ever at a World Cup. Robson scored two in the end, while Paul Mariner wrapped up the victory.

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England 0-0 France - 1992 European Championship

Unlike the previous two meetings at major tournaments, the points were shared at the start of the 90s as the two sides met in the group stages in Sweden.

While striker Gary Lineker was coming towards the end of his career, his strike partner on that occasion was Alan Shearer, who was playing for Southampton at the time.

In only his third cap, Shearer led the line with Lineker, but neither player could do enough to ensure England claimed all three points.

Both teams were too cautious throughout the 90 minutes, and that eventually cost them as they both went out during the group stages, with Sweden and eventual champions Denmark progressing.

France 2-1 England - 2004 European Championship

Sixteen teams made their way to Portugal for Euro 2004, and England were handed a tough draw after being placed in the same group as France, Croatia and Switzerland.

Sven-Goran Eriksson's team started their campaign with a disappointing defeat, especially after midfielder Frank Lampard had given them the lead.

Playmaker Zinedine Zidane came up with the goods, though, as he scored two goals in stoppage time to punish England's sloppy mistakes.

Eriksson's side responded well to win both of their games against Croatia and Switzerland, but they then lost on penalties to Portugal in the quarter-finals.

England 1-1 France - 2012 European Championships

At Euro 2012, England and France crossed paths once again in the group stages in Ukraine.

On that occasion, the Three Lions did enough to top Group D, and their 1-1 draw in Donetsk helped them on their way.

All of the action came in the first half, with Joleon Lescott opening the scoring, only for Samir Nasri to cancel his 30th-minute strike out, just nine minutes later.

England were once again eliminated in the quarter-finals, losing this time on penalties to Italy, while France came unstuck against Spain, losing 2-0.

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