Jan Vertonghen backed England to match France in a World Cup Final he believes will underline Tottenham’s standing in the global game.

If England beat Croatia, they face France on Sunday, with Spurs pair Hugo Lloris and Harry Kane leading out the teams — which would be the first time the same club had provided both captains for football’s most significant game.

France overcame Vertoghen’s Belgium side on Tuesday, thanks to Samuel Umtiti’s second-half header. England have not reached a major final since they won the World Cup on home soil in 1966.

Vertonghen said: “England can match France. At the start of the game, it will be about trying not to concede, rather than trying to score. Let’s hope Hugo and Harry can walk on to the pitch together. Look at Tottenham’s numbers at the World Cup.

“There were 12 of our players involved in the World Cup and we had nine in the semi-finals. That shows how far Tottenham have come.

“We’ve been in touch all tournament, wishing each other the best. It’s a shame [England and Belgium] won’t play in the final but that’ll save tears in the dressing room. For sure, I won’t watch the final.”

Meanwhile, Eden Hazard aimed a dig at France’s defensive approach. He said: “I’d rather lose with this Belgium team than win with that France team.”