France will look to exploit England's lack of pace at the back in Saturday's World Cup quarter-final, according to Chris Waddle.
Kylian Mbappe's explosive speed is France's biggest weapon and former England star Waddle reckons Didier Deschamps will encourage his star man to take on Harry Maguire and John Stones. The two defenders have struggled to contain Mbappe in the past, with the free-scoring forward - who already has five goals in Qatar - ready to torment the England duo once again.
"Certain players suit certain tactical options and managers," said Waddle. "Whether England play with three centre-backs or two, we don’t really press teams that high and Harry doesn’t get exploited as much with balls in behind. Playing under Gareth [Southgate] for England suits him.
"However, I feel like there’s a lack of pace between Maguire and Stones that could get exploited against France. I think that could be the one weakness within our team."
Despite identifying Maguire’s potential weakness up against Mbappe, Waddle praised the Manchester United captain for producing his best for England after losing his club place.
"A lot of people are expecting him to make a mistake and have been waiting for that to happen," the former playmaker said of Maguire.
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"He had a sticky patch before the tournament in the Nations League matches and, to be honest, I was worried about him and England going into this World Cup. A lot of people are expecting him to make a mistake and have been waiting for that to happen.
"For a kid who’s had a lot of knock-backs, he looks very confident. Fair play to him for the way he’s responded to the criticism that he’s faced from fans and media. It’s not easy to hear your name booed after it gets read out, it's hard to switch that off. If Maguire says that he doesn’t hear that, I don’t believe him.
"In 1986 and 1990, we didn’t have a clue what was being said or going on at home, but this group of players will be aware of everything that’s being said. He does deserve credit. It’s not easy to play football for your country when you’re getting hammered by the media and fans. He’s faced up to every challenge and it takes a brave man to do that. Fair play to him."
Despite delivering for England in Qatar, Waddle does not believe Maguire has a future at United under Erik ten Hag.
"Maguire has definitely suffered since Ten Hag has gone to United because he plays a high tempo pressing game and Harry’s never been blessed with outstanding pace,” Waddle told Lord Ping. "Playing in a higher line, he found it hard. I suspect that Ten Hag would be looking to move him on and I don’t think he has a future at United under him."
