Davis Cup quarters: GB hoping for spirit of 1981 to beat France

Then, all the hosts need to do is find another point from one of James Ward’s singles fixtures or the doubles clash which will likely feature Jamie Murray and Dominic Inglot.

Ward, who heroically bowed out of the third round of Wimbledon this year after leading Canadian Vasek Pospisil 2-0 in sets, will be hoping to claim another top scalp after knocking out American duo Sam Querrey and John Isner in successive years.

Andy’s brother Jamie (doubles ranked 20th), meanwhile, will be on a high after reaching his first SW19 men’s doubles final, and he could partner Inglot (46).

Davis Cup captain Leon Smith, who led GB to the quarters last year too, is certainly confident ahead of this encounter, and said last month: “Andy will spearhead our side, carrying tremendous momentum from the clay court season onto the grass.

“James Ward knows what it’s like to create upsets in the Davis Cup and we saw that in his heroic performance against John Isner in March.”

Simon, who got to the Wimbledon quarters this year, meanwhile, believes his side’s depth in talent will get them through. “We have a lot of options in the France team and the British team has less option, with the selection they have, so it’s pretty clear what we are going to face,” he said.

“We just want to be ready for it. We are in a good position right now, so we just hope it’s going to be the same on Friday.”

Coral’s betting tip – GB win Davis Cup @ 6/1