Former Carlisle United keeper Jordan Pickford says England can give France plenty to worry about in this weekend's World Cup quarter-final showdown.

The ex-Blues loan man must help keep out Kylian Mbappe and co and the semi-finals in Qatar.

But Pickford reckons the holders should have just as much to worry about with England's dangermen.

“They’re reigning champions, got Mbappe and other individuals who are top players, and we know that’s going to be a tough game,” said Pickford, speaking on ‘The Lions’ Den’ on England’s YouTube channel.

“But [it’s] World Cup football, you’ve got to relish these moments and you’ve got to take every chance you get. You might not get another chance to beat France and to beat them in the quarters would be massive for us as a team.

“They’ve got to be worried about our threat as well, not just the starting XI, but look at the depth we have on the bench as well, the lads that come on and make an impact.”

Pickford is set to win his 50th cap in Saturday’s last-eight tie in Qatar.

And the Three Lions No1, who has kept three consecutive clean sheets, has been backed to continue his fine international form by team-mate Kyle Walker.

Speaking about the man who was on loan at Brunton Park in the 2013/14 season, defender Walker said: “I think he’s been absolutely top class for England. I spend a lot of time with him outside of the training field and we get along really well.

“I’ve got nothing but praise to say for Jordan and congratulations on getting your 50th cap on Saturday.

“Hopefully he can put in the performances he’s been putting in for the last number of years.

“To move Joe Hart off the pedestal was a big statement for him to say he’s on the international stage. He’s not let us down, he’s been fantastic and hopefully that can continue for many years.”

If England overcome the reigning world champions, whose forward line also includes Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele, Gareth Southgate’s side will face a semi-final against Morocco or Portugal next Wednesday.

England expect midfielder Declan Rice will be fit after missing some training this week with illness - he was back in training today - while back-up striker Callum Wilson is recovering from a minor muscle injury.

Raheem Sterling is set to rejoin the squad having flown home last week after a break-in at his family home.

Pickford is one of two Carlisle United connections in the England ranks, with ex-striker Paul Nevin, who played for the Blues in the 1991/2 season, part of Southgate’s coaching team.