Jan Vertonghen has backed the Tottenham Hotspur contingent in England's squad to fire them past Croatia and into the World Cup final.
The 31-year-old will not be competing in next weekend's showpiece match at the Luzhniki Stadium following Belgium's 1-0 loss to France on Tuesday night.
France will now be joined by one of Croatia or England in the final, and Vertonghen would love to see Harry Kane face off against fellow clubmate Hugo Lloris - potentially the first time that one club has provided both captains in the final - to emphasise the quality in Tottenham's ranks.
"England can match France. At the start of the game, it will be about trying not to concede, rather than trying to score," he is quoted as saying by the London Evening Standard. "Let's hope Hugo and Harry can walk on to the pitch together. Look at Tottenham's numbers at the World Cup.
"There were 12 of our players involved in the World Cup and we had nine in the semi-finals. That shows how far Tottenham have come. We've been in touch all tournament, wishing each other the best. It's a shame [England and Belgium] won't play in the final but that'll save tears in the dressing room. For sure, I won't watch the final."
England last reached the World Cup final in 1966, while their only other semi-final ended in defeat to West Germany 28 years ago.
