MICAH RICHARDS: Beating France would be England's biggest scalp in my lifetime, it's NOT just all about stopping Kylian Mbappe... and Cristiano Ronaldo has MISSED the chance to silence his critics
- England beating France in the World Cup quarter-final would be a massive scalp
- I would go as far as saying it would be the Three Lions' greatest result abroad
- But it won't be all about stopping PSG's skillful, superstar forward Kylian Mbappe
- And Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has missed the chance to silence critics
- Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results
If England beat France it would be the greatest result they have achieved on foreign soil. I would even go as far as to say it'd be the best scalp England have taken in my lifetime.
To defeat the reigning champions — who possess the world's best player in Kylian Mbappe — away from Wembley would be an exceptional feat.
When we have beaten elite teams in knockout games we have done it on home soil (Spain on penalties at Euro 1996, Germany at last year's Euros), so this would be a huge leap forward.
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/09/20/65431913-11522393-image-a-52_1670617736490.jpg)
If England beat France in the World Cup quarter-final on Saturday, it will be their greatest ever result on foreign soil and I would go as far as to say their biggest ever scalp during my lifetime
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/09/20/65431911-11522393-image-m-55_1670617768515.jpg)
To defeat the reigning world champions, who possess the world's best player in Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe (right) away from Wembley would be an exceptional feat
But it must be stressed that this is only the quarter-final. I have had a sense from social media and speaking to some people that they think if England beat France, it is as good as having one hand on the trophy — don't fall into that trap.
Having confidence in football can make you feel unstoppable and I'm delighted such energy is building, but the worst thing that could happen now is to cross the line from confidence into arrogance. The genuine hard work is about to begin and every kick matters.
If England are going to return home from Doha with the trophy, they won't just need one of their greatest-ever performances to do it — they will likely need to surpass it in the semi-final and then next Sunday in the final. Can they deliver a trio of colossal wins in such a short space of time? We are about to find out.
It is remarkable to think that if England win tonight, Gareth Southgate will have overseen more knockout victories at major tournaments since 2018 — it would take his tally to seven — than England had managed from 1968 to 2016.
![This is only the quarter-final - don't start thinking you have one hand on the trophy if you win](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/09/20/65428135-11522393-image-a-41_1670617606433.jpg)
This is only the quarter-final - don't start thinking you have one hand on the trophy if you win
That's why I'm prepared to make such a statement about what beating France would mean for the national team.
I don't want anyone to think I am getting carried away but I am excited about the opportunity that is in front of this squad and what they may achieve. My thoughts have changed significantly.
When Kieran Trippier scored early on against Croatia in the World Cup semi-final four years ago, I didn't have the belief we would go on and finish the job. I didn't feel fully confident during the Euro 2020 final either, even after Luke Shaw's opening goal against Italy.
What I have seen over the last three weeks in Doha, however, leads me to believe that if we get in front early on against France, this team — with such wonderful, exciting young players — would have the confidence to go and get another.
![Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate (left) will have to keep the players' feet on the ground](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/09/20/65427295-11522393-image-a-42_1670617645414.jpg)
Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate (left) will have to keep the players' feet on the ground
We are not watching England with hope at this tournament. We are watching them with confidence and you can bet your life that the other squads who remain would look at a number of individuals from Gareth Southgate's group and want them on board. The win over Senegal is the best example.
It felt in those opening 30 minutes, when Senegal had two chances, that we were gripped with fear but they had the mindset to keep playing and when the openings came, England were devastatingly ruthless. It was glorious to watch.
With all due respect to Senegal, though, France play in a different orbit. England have not come up against a team with the best player in the world at a World Cup since Brazil had Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho in 2002 and that quarter-final ended in a 2-1 defeat.
I have clear memories of that game. I loved 'R9' but I was absolutely devastated England went out as they did. It would be tremendous if, on this occasion, we were the ones celebrating at the end. Now is the time to find new levels.
Ron missed his chance to silence critics
Much has been written and said about Cristiano Ronaldo.
I have no desire to join in with the noise, I simply want to put forward my alternative view. I'm saddened by all this and I would hate for his legacy to be tarnished.
I just wish that at the end of the game against Switzerland he had made a gracious effort to go over to Goncalo Ramos and make clear to the crowd his delight for the young striker.
It would have been a tremendous gesture to signify that the next big talent is coming. It would have also silenced his critics.
![Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo (above) has missed the chance to silence his many critics](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/09/20/65431311-11522393-image-m-57_1670617788785.jpg)
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo (above) has missed the chance to silence his many critics
It's not just about stopping Mbappe
When I made my England debut against the Netherlands in 2006, my task was to try to stop Arjen Robben, who was one of the best wingers in the world.
Being in such a pressure situation preys on your mind and Kyle Walker will have similar feelings about Kylian Mbappe on Saturday night.
I love Mbappe, who has been the best in the world for 18 months. I spoke to Thierry Henry and he says his only slight weakness is when he plays with his back to goal but he's improving at that. He's pretty much faultless at everything else.
Kyle has done well against Mbappe in the past but those Manchester City v Paris Saint-Germain games will have no bearing.
![And it's not just about stopping Mbappe for likely opposite man Kyle Walker (left) and England](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/09/20/65428131-11522393-image-a-59_1670617825867.jpg)
And it's not just about stopping Mbappe for likely opposite man Kyle Walker (left) and England
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/09/20/65428129-11522393-image-a-58_1670617821980.jpg)
I have tried to think what I would do in Kyle's shoes and the best example I can give is when Gareth Bale was at Tottenham. We would play out from the back at City and the full backs had to get wide to receive possession, to make the pitch big and create angles.
If I was playing against Gareth, though, I would move 10 yards closer to Vincent Kompany and have James Milner close to me for support.
My anxiety would not only stifle our game plan, it would impact on my team-mates and by pulling Milly out of position, gaps would be left elsewhere. One outstanding individual's presence can be felt far and wide.
So it really isn't just about what Kyle does against Mbappe. It's what John Stones and Declan Rice do as well; it's about Bukayo Saka, if he plays, coming back and giving support and not being so obsessed with Mbappe that you forget about Ousmane Dembele, Olivier Giroud or Antoine Griezmann.
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