The country has been inspired by the leadership of Harry Kane, the creativity of Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka, and the defensive nous of Jordan Pickford, Harry Maguire and John Stones

At the outset of theWorld CupGareth Southgate hoped his team would lift the spirits of a nation shivering in the winter gloom and beset by a cost of living crisis.

His battling Lions have cruised through to the quarter-finals. Tonight they could bring further joy with a victory against France.

After reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the finals of the Euros last year, everyone has high hopes.

But nobody is underestimating the French, who are graced with supreme talents.

But this an England squad also packed with skill, flair and resilience.

The country has been inspired by the leadership ofHarry Kane, the creativity of Phil Foden,Marcus Rashfordand Bukayo Saka, and the defensive nous of Jordan Pickford, Harry Maguire and John Stones.

Every member of the team will do their duty, every player will fight like lions and all will strive to do their nation proud.

England boss Gareth Southgate willing to risk Roy Keanes wrath with World Cup pledge

This weekend, temperatures could fall as low as -10C

This weekend, temperatures could fall as low as -10C and large parts of Britain will be covered with ice and snow.

For millions of families this is the moment they were dreading. Rising fuel bills coupled with the cost of living crisis means that they cannot afford to heat their homes.

According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, some 2.5 million people will have to cut back on food and heating this winter.

In the absence of sufficient Government support, charities and faith organisations have had to step in.

There are now an estimated 5,000 warm welcome spaces across the UK. They are free and open to everybody.

The Mirrors Christmas Appeal is raising funds to help these centres and your support has never been more needed or appreciated.

Photographer Rhiannon Adam has beaten more than one million applicants to snap up a trip around the moon.

Her pictures of the mission will be out of this world.

Best-named gritters hitting UKs snowy roads - from Usain Salt to Sweet Child O Brine

UK snow: Deep weekend freeze of -10C sparks fears of winter energy crisis for millions

Last minute festive trips for solo travellers from Budapest to Amsterdam

Gareth Southgate gives bullish England vs France prediction with defiant message

Gareth Southgate reveals final reminder he will give England stars before France clash

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