Kyle Walker believes he ‘understands’ how to stop Kylian Mbappe ahead of facing him for England against France.
Walker and his England team-mates will take on Mbappe and Co in the World Cup quarter-final on Saturday. Mbappe, 23, has been one of the stars of the World Cup, leading the race for the Golden Boot with five goals.
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He has generally played on the left wing and is likely to go up against Walker on Saturday. The Manchester City right-back feels he is ready for the challenge.
“I do understand what I need to do and that is to stop him,” he said.
“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 has already played against Mbappe four times in the Champions League for City.
“Obviously it is always going to help because I’ve played against him a number of times now with Manchester City,” added Walker.
“He is a fantastic player in great form. It is not going to be an easy task, but as a professional footballer you want to play against the best and I think he is one of the best if not the best in the world at the moment.”
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(Photo: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)