France winger Cédric Heymans says the fact the English are defending World Cup champions will make them increasingly difficult to beat in this weekend’s semifinal.

The two nations also have a history of huge clashes on the international stage – England knocking the French out of both the 1991 and 2003 Rugby World Cups.

"These games are special for historical reasons," said Heymans to Le Site.

"Down the years, it has often been between England and France. They've always been interesting games to play in and watch.

"We know the English will be up for this 200 per cent," continued Heymans.

"Of this, we are in no doubt. They have gone through the same as us this tournament, and I think they are a little vengeful, they have a title to preserve.

"It is this that concerns me most. When the English decide to do something, they are already only a step away from doing it. If they were not world champions, we might have more of a chance."

Heymans says his side will go into the semifinal with different tactics to those they used to defeat the All Blacks in Cardiff.

"We will go into the game with a different mindset, but that concerns us, nobody else. You will see on Saturday if we are right or not.

"Against New Zealand, we knew we were chasing a shock. This match will put us through to a World Cup final in our own country. The pressure is greater. We are now expected to win.