Didier Deschamps knows France face a stiff test in England on Saturday (Picture: Getty Images)
Didier Deschamps says he ‘very much likes’ Gareth Southgate, defending him from criticism in England, while he says the Three Lions have no weaknesses.
The France manager is preparing his team to take on England in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday in a blockbuster clash in Qatar.
The defending champions are favourites to progress, but Deschamps is aware of the test they will face and has talked up both the talents and the personality of his opposite number.
The Frenchman is aware that Southgate has had his critics in England, often criticised for perceived negativity, but Deschamps feels the results speak for themselves.
‘I very much like Gareth,’ Deschamps said. ‘We have met on a number of occasions and have talked about a number of things.
‘Not everyone appreciates him so much in his own country, that isn’t because he wasn’t a good footballer himself – he had a long and distinguished career and he is also a very good coach.
‘He has enabled England to get some very good results over the years and I very much like him.’
Southgate and Deschamps have only faced each other once as England and France managers, in a friendly back in 2017 (Picture: Getty Images)
Deschamps has clearly been impressed by England so far this tournament, talking up how dangerous they are, and their strength in all areas of the pitch.
Asked if he has identified any weakness in the England side, he said: ‘They don’t have any. All teams have strengths, not all have many weaknesses, but slightly less strong points.
‘England have seen us play four games. At the end of the day, you need to identify areas where you think you can attack them.
Deschamps and Southgate met in their playing days at the 2000 FA Cup final (Picture: Getty Images)
‘Pace is often one of the keys to the match. When quick, the opponent has less time to be organised. You need more than just pace to score goals. You can stop a lot of things but it’s very difficult to stop someone who is very quick, especially in transitions.
‘England team very strong in that area though and scored lots of goals with quick counter-attacks. They also have many other qualities in terms of technical ability, capacity to score goals and being dangerous on set pieces. It’s not by chance they are facing us in the quarter-finals.’
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‘Not everyone appreciates him so much in his own country.’
