England and Man Utd star Luke Shaw sends bold message to France ahead of World Cup clash

Manchester United and England star Luke Shaw says England are ready to take their game up a level when they play world champions France for a place in the World Cup semi-finals.

England have beaten Iran, Wales, Senegal and drew with the USA, but Shaw says he and his teammates haven’t really hit top gears and will need that to do so if they’re to triumph this weekend. The game against France is the biggest since they lost to Italy at the Euros final at Wembley. There is a perception that England fall away when they face big teams and this game will test their readiness to win the World Cup.

Shaw, who has been among England’s most reliable players in the tournament so far, says the world has not seen the best of the Three Lions but the game against France presents an ideal opportunity to showcase their talents.

He told Talksport: “The results we’ve had, the goals we’ve scored, and I think even at times we haven’t been anywhere near our best. But we’re still reaching high numbers in the goals scored, the chances we’re creating. So I think that’s the positive thing that there’s obviously more from us still that we can do and reach another level. But at the moment the level’s good, but like I said we need to step up another level on Saturday night.”

France have looked very strong with Kylian Mbappe in fine form and leading the goalscoring chart at the World Cup. Ousmane Dembele is also firing as well as Antoine Griezmann who has been a breath of fresh air out here in Doha. England though will count on the likes of Kyle Walker and Harry Kane as one of the most experienced in the squad.