Walker Makes Promise to ‘Pocket’ Mbappe
Kyle Walker, England’s wing-back, believes he can keep Kylian Mbappe at bay when England faces France in the World Cup quarterfinals.
Mbappe has been on fire since the tournament began in Qatar, leading Les Bleus to the final eight with a stunning brace against Poland.
Walker, on the other hand, has downplayed the hype around the 23-year-old, insisting that England is focused on playing France as a whole, not simply Mbappe.
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“The game isn’t England vs Mbappe, it’s England vs France,” he stated in a press conference prior to the match.
“We’ll show respect, but I’m not going to lay out the red carpet for him [Mbappe] to score.” It’s done or dies because if we lose, we’re going home.
“I do understand what I need to do and that is to stop him. It is easier said than done, but I don’t underestimate myself. I have played against some great players at Man City and England, I treat it as another game, I take extra care and give him the respect he deserves, but not too much respect.”
Walker relied on the knowledge that he has already played against Mbappe in the Champions League with Manchester City, where he has frequently given a solid account of himself, but was once again focused on the big picture.
“He’s a tremendous player in excellent form.” It will not be easy, but as a professional footballer, you want to play against the best, and I believe he is one of the best, if not the best, in the world right now,” he added.
