The veteran 36-year-old netted his 52nd France goal in Sunday's 3-1 win over Poland that took the holders into a World Cup quarter-final with England and allowed him to overtake Thierry Henry to become his country's all-time leading scorer.

He now has England in his sights and Saturday's match at Al Bayt Stadium, in the desert north of Doha, will be a special occasion for a player who spent nine years in the Premier League, first with Arsenal and then Chelsea.

Giroud is familiar with most of the England team as a result and knows all about the game of Harry Kane, a striker with whom he shares many similarities, apart from age.

"He is big, he is powerful and very good in the air. He is also good with his back to goal. But I think in recent years he has started to drop deeper and participate more in the game," Giroud said.

"He is still a clinical finisher in the box but he also brings the best out of his teammates.

"There are similarities between us but there are still seven years' difference between us."

France are hoping to become the first team in 60 years, since Pele's Brazil in 1958 and 1962, to win back-to-back World Cups.

But Giroud is wary of Gareth Southgate's young side.

"England so far have had a good tournament," he insisted.

"There are so many great players, a young generation. They have quality but quantity also in the squad. They have different options.

"It will be a nice game to watch."