I don’t think it’s unfair to say that this has been England’s worst display in possession all tournament… and there have been some clunky ones. Passing has been imprecise. Support play has been sluggish and breakdown work has been tentative. In truth, France should be ahead. They have been far more enterprising and accurate.

Since defeat in the 2022 final the hosts have won 31 games in a row but semi-final foes France have pushed them closest

France have come closer than any other team during England's record run of victories. Beating the tournament hosts in the World Cup semi-final would be the ultimate heist.