Euro 2024: 'We're not afraid of anyone' - France's William Saliba throws down gauntlet to Romelu Lukaku and Belgium
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
Updated 28/06/2024 at 07:13 GMT
William Saliba is relishing the challenge of facing Romelu Lukaku in France’s last-16 clash with Belgium. The Frenchman said that his side are "not afraid of anyone" ahead of the tie on Monday in Dusseldorf, and singled out Romelu Lukaku as an opponent he is eager to play against. Belgium secured second place in Group E but their 0-0 draw with Ukraine ended in boos directed at their players.
Saliba relishing challenge of facing Lukaku in France’s last-16 clash with Belgium
William Saliba has thrown down the gauntlet to Belgium ahead of their Euro 2024 round-of-16 clash, as the defender insists France are "not afraid of anyone".
The 23-year-old is relishing the challenge of facing Romelu Lukaku at the Dusseldorf Arena on Monday.
“I don't think many defenders enjoy playing against Romelu Lukaku, but we have no choice and that's the way it is," Saliba said in his press conference.
The Arsenal man continued: "When you're a defender, you want to play against the best strikers in matches like this, and you're happy because you're playing against the best.
"You know how you have to play against strikers like that: you have to be concentrated, and you can't throw too much. We know he's strong, so we can't get too close to him."
Lukaku has endured a torrid time in front of goal at the tournament in Germany as his country laboured to second place in Group E.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2024/06/26/3993678-81049268-2560-1440.jpg)
'Mbappe needs more time to get used to mask' - France boss Deschamps
Belgium's 0-0 draw with Ukraine, despite securing their qualification, saw boos and whistles rain down on The Red Devils after another unimpressive display.
Despite that, the 31-year-old and the rest of the Belgium side have the quality and talent to trouble France - and Saliba is not taking them lightly.
“Yes of course they didn't play their best football during the group stages, but it would be a trap to base your opinion on these group matches because we know that this is a new competition that's about to start," he said.
"Belgium versus France is always a shock. So, of course, they'll be up against us, and we'll be up against them too. We're not going to look down on them because they're a very good team and they've got a lot of great players. It's not going to be easy.
“We're not afraid of Belgium either. We're not afraid of anyone. If they're not afraid of us, good for them. We'll see on Monday and we'll do everything we can to win. ”
discovery+ is the streaming home of the Olympic Games, and the only place you can watch every moment of Paris 2024 this summer.
Scan me
Share this article