FORMER ENGLAND manager Sam Allardyce has sung the praises of the national team, and told why he believes the Three Lions can win the World Cup.

England eased past Senegal with a 3-0 victory in Qatar to progress to the quarter-finals, where they face a tough test in the form of France.

Speaking to Mark Dolan on GB News, the former England manager, affectionately known as ‘Big Sam’, said the Three Lions could go all the way if they can get past one of the tournament favourites.

“My thoughts about the next round? If you beat France, you win the World Cup. England has got that much confidence,” he said.

“I watched France against Poland and this will be their toughest test. And Gareth’s toughest test, I think, since he’s been manager of the England team because they were very comfortable.”

On the threat France poses, Allardyce said: “Mbappe particularly. We have some really outstanding players, but this lad is right up there with the very, very best, so we need to pay special attention to him.

“And of course, Giroud, We need to take care of him so defensively we’ll be tested more than ever before. But certainly France will have a lot to worry about with the form of our front play at the moment.”

Commenting his thoughts ahead of the quarter-final against France, Gareth Southgate said: “Outstanding team with a phecnomenal tournament record, and some outstanding individuals. Without a doubt that’s a game where we have to find our highest possible level.”

The comments come after it emerged Raheem Sterling has left the England World Cup squad in Qatar and returned to London after armed intruders broke into his home with his family inside.

Manager Gareth Southgate confirmed the news after Sunday’s 3-0 last-16 win against Senegal.

“Sometimes football isn’t the most important thing and family should come first,” he said.

It is understood the incident happened on Saturday night. Sterling has three young children.

According to a spokesperson for the player, Sterling was “shaken” by the news and “as soon as he was alerted he wanted to get home, concerned for the well-being of his children.”

Southgate added: “We want to give him that space and we will see over the next few days how that develops.”

Speaking after the Senegal match Sterling’s team-mate Declan Rice said: “I saw him at breakfast this morning then the manager said he had difficulties at home so we’ve all sent him a message.”

England’s next match at the World Cup is against France in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

Sterling is the second player to leave the England squad after Arsenal defender Ben White, who returned to the UK on 30 November for personal reasons.

Two years ago, three burglars who targeted a number of homes in the north west of England, including an attempted break-in at Sterling’s then-home in Cheshire in November 2018, were jailed.

The Chelsea forward, 27, started and scored in England’s 6-2 win over Iran in their opening group game before being called on again for the 0-0 draw with the United States.

Southgate opted instead to play Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden either side of Harry Kane for England’s 3-0 win over Wales.

The England boss has often relied on Sterling during major tournaments; he started all seven of England’s Euro 2020 matches.