Micah Richards insists only one team stands between England and World Cup glory after last night’s pulsating win against Mexico.
The Three Lions overcame a hostile atmosphere, unfavourable conditions and a numerical disadvantage following Jarell Quansah’s red card to advance to the quarter finals.
Harry Kane’s penalty ultimately proved the difference as England held on for a 3-2 win and inflicted upon the co-hosts a rare defeat at the iconic Azteca Stadium.
Thomas Tuchel’s side will face Norway and Erling Haaland in Saturday’s last eight tie, with the winners likely to face holders Argentina.
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Despite those formidable looking tasks ahead, former England defender Richards believes it is France, who sit on the other side of the draw, that represent the biggest obstacle to overcome.
He said: ‘I think the only team that really worry me is France. They’re so dynamic.
‘There was something in that performance, there was a spirit and a determination – that’s what I liked so much about the performance today.
‘It’s going to be difficult but I liked the spirit today.’
If England are to stand a chance against the tournament favourites, who themselves showed a different set of qualities in their ill-tempered win against Paraguay, then they will need to go to the well again.
After watching his squad overcome some sizable odds, however, Tuchel is adamant he has the tools at his disposal to fulfil his objective and mastermind a World Cup campaign that ends in victory in New Jersey later this month.
He said: ‘If a team has heart, if a team has belief, it is this team. And pure will. No words. An iconic match in an iconic stadium. We conquered so much adversity today.
‘The guys from the bench were brilliant. I don’t want to mention individual names. Everyone is exhausted and everyone knows it was a crazy match of football in a crazy atmosphere and we were up against all the odds.
‘He said 11 minutes [of added time] then he gave another two corners in the 12th minute.
Everything was against us and we refused to give in.
‘We can play a lot better. Lots of things we can do better. Still a disconnect from the best version of us, ball possession, finding spaces.
‘But there’s no disconnect in being committed and overcoming anything that is thrown at this team. I’m really proud.’