Belgians will take attack to the French

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba and defenders Rafael Varane and Samuel Umtiti are also highly valued.

But Belgium’s rock-star attack is collectively more expensive, led by Kevin De Bruyne ($261.12 million), Romelu Lukaku ($261m), Eden Hazard ($197.8m) and Napoli’s Tottenham target Dries Mertens ($117m).

Teen sensation Kylian Mbappe ($298m) will be the most expensive player on the St Petersburg pitch in tomorrow’s semi-final but Belgium’s fearsome collective, which steamrolled five-time champion Brazil, will take some stopping.

“We are on an equal footing with France, we will try to do everything we can physically and mentally, that’s all we can do,’’ De Bruyne said.

“France is an extraordinary team, but when you reach the semi-final stage of the World Cup you won’t find ordinary opposition.

“We are proud to reach the semi-finals, but once you’re that close you want everything you can. Only a few times in your lifetime you (play in a World Cup). You might go to two or three in a lifetime – if you’re lucky.”

Belgium’s only semi-final appearance was 1986, which was ended by the genius of Diego Maradona who scored a double.

Coach Roberto Martinez, who has been linked with the job of his native Spain after Fernando Hierro’s brief tenure ended, has tough calls to make after Maroune Fellaini impressed in place of Mertens.

France coach Didier Deschamps has backed Olivier Giroud, who’s come under scrutiny for not scoring, though his link work has been superb. Giroud yesterday quipped that Thierry Henry had backed the wrong horse, with the Le Bleus legend and 1998 World Cup winner now part of the Belgian staff.

“I’d have preferred him to be with us and to be giving his advice to me,’’ Giroud said.

“He’s a living legend French football.” of