Bukayo Saka insists England have nothing to fear from World Champions France

Bukayo Saka believes England have nothing to fear as they prepare to take on reigning champions France in the World Cup quarter-finals.

England's Bukayo Saka battles with USA's Antonee Robinson battles for the ball in the box during the FIFA World Cup Group B match at the Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor. Picture date: Friday November 25, 2022. PA Photo. See PA story WORLDCUP England. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

England booked their place in the last eight with a comfortable 3-0 win over Senegal on Sunday but the task ahead is a daunting one.

But Saka, who scored England’s third against Senegal, said at a press conference: “If you look at our first four games, we had three clean sheets.

“That shows how solid we are at the back and we have scored the most goals as well.

“I feel we have just got to prepare the best gameplan and go there with confidence.

“We are playing really good right now.

“There is no doubt about the quality we have in our team. We are blessed with an amazing front line.

“There is so much quality attacking players.

“When you are selected, it shows how much confidence the boss has in you so that gives you that extra confidence to go out and shine. We were able to do that.”

Saka was one of the players to miss from the spot when England were defeated on penalties by Italy in the Euro 2020 final.

That experience was a difficult one for the Arsenal forward but he feels he has come through it well and feels confident enough to take another penalty should it be necessary.

The 21-year-old said: “Obviously, I have matured and progressed a lot since that moment. I wouldn’t have stepped up the number of times I have for Arsenal if I was not confident.

“If the moment comes and I am selected to take it, I will be more than happy to.”

Raheem Sterling has left the England camp to return home following a break-in at his home.

Saka said: “He wished us the best yesterday as he was going back.

“I’ve messaged him and hopefully he’ll get back to me later. I just hope he and his family are okay.”

Meanwhile, boss Gareth Southgate is relishing England’s “acid test” against reigning champions France.

“We’ve got a brilliant tie, haven’t we?” the England boss said of the quarter-final against World Cup holders France.

“The two quarter-finals are fabulous football nations, great history, couldn’t be more exciting.

“Our history is not quite as good as all the others, by the way, but we’re really pleased.

“I’ve just been told it’s the first time we’ve won knockout games in three consecutive tournaments.

“That’s another bit of history that this team has managed to achieve and we’ve got to keep trying to do that.”