England's head coach Gareth Southgate (left) and Harry Kane speak to the media during a press conference at the Qatar National Convention Center on the eve of the quarterfinal World Cup soccer match between France and England, in Doha, Qatar, Dec 9, 2022. (ABBIE PARR / AP)

DOHA - Both England coach Gareth Southgate and captain Harry Kane on Friday spoke highly of the team's unity and termed the upcoming quarterfinal against defending champions France as the toughest game of Qatar World Cup.

"This group are a team. They're very close, they've got a lot of experience together now. The older players set the standards and allow the young players to come in and settle socially, allow them to express themselves," said Southgate at the pre-match press conference.

"We're playing France, who are a fantastic team. We're aware of all their attacking players and we're aware of the quality across the whole squad. Didier (Deschamps) has created a team stronger than the individuals, maybe that wasn't always the case - like it wasn't with us - and we've got to be at our best to win," he said.

England's Jude Bellingham stretches during an official training session on the eve of the quarterfinal World Cup soccer match between France and England, at Al Wakrah Sports Complex, in Al Wakrah, Qatar, Dec 9, 2022. (ABBIE PARR / AP)

We're not here just to reach a quarterfinal. We know there are some very good teams here, but we know we're a very good team as well. We have a real determination and belief to be successful as an England team.

Harry Kane, England team captain

Although France are a close unit, Kylian Mbappe is their star player and arguably the best player in the World Cup, with his pace a threat for any side. Kyle Walker will have the job of trying to stop him, despite only two starts following a groin injury in early October.

READ MORE: France wary of England's pace and set-piece threat

"We always wanted to give Kyle the opportunity to be fit for us at the tournament. We've managed that process well, it was the right reintroduction into the team. Kyle is ready," he said.

Southgate also said Raheem Sterling would be available after flying home to England earlier in the week following an armed robbery at his family home.

"He'll be involved tomorrow but what that looks like, we've got to decide," said the coach.

Meanwhile, Kane stressed the belief in the current England team.

READ MORE: England's Maguire: We have the belief we didn't have in 2018

"We're not here just to reach a quarterfinal. We know there are some very good teams here, but we know we're a very good team as well. We have a real determination and belief to be successful as an England team," commented Kane, who also had words for his Tottenham team mate Hugo Lloris, who will be in goal for France on Saturday.

England's Kyle Walker controls the ball during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between England and Senegal, at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, Dec 4, 2022. (ABBIE PARR / AP)

"He's one of the best goalkeepers in the world. We're not friends for that day and we'll go to have a good battle against each other, it will be two great teams going at it. I can't speak highly enough. I know he'll be doing everything to help France win," he said.