Neal Maupay: I won’t lie – France don’t see England as a threat and a level below our actual rivals

England are not considered a contender to win this summer’s World Cup by the French public.

That is according to former Premier League star Neal Maupay, who joined talkSPORT to discuss his own nation’s brilliance ahead of England’s crucial round of 32 clash with DR Congo.

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Thomas Tuchel’s side are looking to extend their campaign by setting up a last 16 meeting with Mexico if they win their next game, which is live on talkSPORT on Wednesday at 5pm.

What do France think of England?

Maupay admits England are yet to find their groove at the tournament despite topping their group when the Marseille striker joined Andy Goldstein and Gabby Agbonlahor on World Cup Breakfast.

“The quality is there, but it’s not clicking yet.

“I thought last game [Marcus] Rashford played well. I thought there were some positives. I think in a competition like that, you only need one game to get that confidence high.

“If against DR Congo, they play a good game with a confident win, I believe they can be dangerous.”

England impressed in their tournament opener, beating Croatia 4-2 in Dallas.

However, a goalless draw with Ghana was followed by an underwhelming display – albeit a win – over Panama on Saturday.

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Are England contenders?

Despite Tuchel being tasked with winning the World Cup this summer, Maupay thinks they are not on anyone’s radar in France.

He added: “I won’t lie to you, in France, we’re not really talking about England winning the tournament. We’re talking about Spain, we’re talking about Argentina.

“Obviously, no disrespect, we know England have a good squad, but for us, for the people talking about the World Cup, everyone rates England a level below France, Argentina and Spain.”

Defending champions Argentina could lie in wait for England if both sides reach the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, both Spain and France are on the other half of the knockout bracket.

To set up their clash with Argentina, though, the Three Lions would have to beat DR Congo, Mexico and either Brazil or Norway to make the last four.

France’s World Cup hopes

As for France, who Maupay represented up to Under-21 level, they have won all four of their matches so far in North America.

Didier Deschamps’ side have scored 13 goals and conceded just two in wins over Senegal, Iraq, Norway and Sweden.

Their latest win on Tuesday sets up a last 16 meeting with Paraguay on Saturday.

Kylian Mbappe scored twice either side of Bradley Barcola’s strike at MetLife Stadium.

Despite the former’s six goals so far, Maupay believes it is the creative department where France’s biggest threat is.

He revealed: “I think it’s the best French team in years, as far as I know. We’ve got Dembele, we’ve got Olise, Mbappe, Barcola. We’ve got world-class players.

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“I have to say Michael Olise is probably our best player. Yesterday when I watched the game, everything was so easy for him.

“He’s so effortless. You can see his quality, when he’s got the ball, players make runs and he always finds the solution.

“He could have scored two or three goals if he was a bit more lucky. I think he’s at the top of his game. It’s actually scary when you think about it, because he’s only 24.”

Olise has provided six assists already at the World Cup with two apiece in the wins over Senegal, Iraq and Sweden.