Quarter-Final: Saturday 23rd June 19:45

France face tough Spanish test after Sweden defeat

France

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny is likely to come in to the France defence for their quarter-final against Spain, because Philippe Mexes is suspended after picking up his second booking of the tournament against Sweden. Hatem Ben Arfa could lose his place after a reported bust-up with Laurant Blanc after the Newcastle midfielder was substituted last time out, meaning Jeremy Menez could return to the side.

Spain

No country has ever won three consecutive major tournaments and Spain find themselves just three matches away from achieving this feat. Coach Vicente Del Bosque will have to decide whether to start Fernando Torres in attack, after the Chelsea striker didn’t find the net against Croatia. Although it’s expected Torres will play, with alternative Cesc Fabregas used from the bench as he was against the Croats.

Clean Sheet potential:

Spain were the only country to record more than one clean sheet in the Group Stage.

Transfer Target:

Jordi Alba bombs forward regularly from left-back, it’s only a matter of time before he scores a goal or an assist.

Last meeting:

France 0 – 2 Spain (2010)