Dallaglio waits to set a new benchmark

The brooding, bearded presence of Chabal, glaring from the sidelines, epitomises what this World Cup has become - a 22-man game.

Digging in: Lawrence Dallaglio must play a key role in helping carry England over the line against France

The final 20 minutes, as France proved in their amazing quarter-final win over New Zealand, can radically alter everything, turning the arrival of a posse of substitutes into a decisive tactical move rather than a desperate last throw of the dice.

The concern for the 40,000 England fans crossing the Channel is the cumulative effect of so many hard games on their players. Tomorrow's semi-final is England's fourth knock-out battle - Samoa, Tonga and Australia proceeding France - in as many weeks and it is the most punishing schedule faced by any of the final four.

The hosts have also been on the treadmill, but have a much stronger squad, as demonstrated by their impressive list of replacements on duty in Paris.

While the champions have a bench that is equipped to hold onto a lead through Lawrence Dallaglio, Toby Flood, Joe Worsley and George Chuter, the French will unleash a group of players designed to win a tight contest.

Men like French housewives' favourite Chabal, hooker Dimitri Szarzewski, outside half Frederic Michalek and No8 Imanol Harinordoquy, ensure the Gallic nation has the power and skill to turn a game on its head.

This is the one area where France have a distinct advantage and it could be crucial in what will be a typically tight battle.

Chabal lifts a crowd like no other player. French supporters have a habit of turning on their team if they are underperforming but the sight of the Sale Shark ready to pounce sends them into raptures.

Dallaglio is the closest thing that Brian Ashton will have to call upon. The cheer in Marseille when he took to the field in the second half against Australia was huge.

All England fans can relate to the Wasps back-row forward because he wears his heart on his sleeve and when he comes on tomorrow night he will have to make an immediate impact.

Having restored national pride, both countries arrived in Paris desperate to be considered underdogs, the role they accepted with relish in their respective quarter-finals. England's 12-10 win over Australia made the rugby world rub its eyes in disbelief and then France overcame New Zealand 20-18 in one of the most amazing matches ever staged.

Can we expect to better the greatest day in World Cup history? Yes, we can because we are back at Stade de France, scene of that South African 36-0 drubbing of England, with Jason Robinson restored to full health.

France are back to having recovered from their opening loss to Argentina, desperate to reach their third final. There is no doubt tactical kicking is going to dominate the early exchanges and it won't be pretty.

England's pack destroyed the Wallabies but France will not buckle under the pressure.

The visitors will have to look to 36-year-old Mike Catt if they are to turn their possession into tries and make the game a running spectacle. Catt appeared to be surplus to requirements after the drubbing by the Boks but his kicking skills will crucial again to help dig Jonny Wilkinson out of any problems.

If they are to win, coach Ashton's men also have to hope Wilkinson has come to terms with the dreaded Gilbert World Cup balls and that he, and they, are not too pressurised for the atmosphere in Paris.

And if Catt is on form, they have to hope Robinson's hamstring holds out for one more week. How ironic that the veteran full-back returns to the scene of his lowest hours to win his 50th cap. As he trooped off the Stade de France pitch clutching his leg, it looked as though he would never be seen on the pitch again.

How we all hope that we see him one more time in a final fitting for a career as good as his.

Miracles are possible. Come on England!