sport news MARTIN KEOWN: Olivier Giroud will demand special attention from Gareth ... trends now
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There are similarities between France and England’s systems, especially in how Olivier Giroud works in the same way as Harry Kane.
Giroud did not score at the 2018 World Cup, or even manage a shot on target, despite featuring in every single game.
Yet he played a key part in France’s success four years ago and he is still a vital cog in the French machine.
England will need to be careful of Olivier Giroud (pictured) during their game against France
Gareth Southgate (pictured) could keep his 4-3-3 system to combat against France's attack
Giroud is like the backboard in basketball — you bounce balls off him to get it into the net. He drops deep, sometimes taking opposition defenders with him, while the rapid runners break into space.
His hold-up play makes him a good target man and he is excellent at linking up with his fellow forwards, who flood into the front areas either side of him.
All of the above is about Giroud and France, but we could easily apply it to Kane and England, too. I cannot see Gareth Southgate changing systems for the quarter-final. The 4-3-3 set-up has worked too well.
Giroud (pictured) and Harry Kane share certain similarities linking play and feeding attackers
Harry Kane (pictured) and Giroud have both now scored 52 goals for their national sides
We often speculate about how opponents will try to stop Kane from doing what he does. Now England
