England right-back Kyle Walker underwent real interrogation by the press about Kylian MbappeWednesday in the training center of “Three Lions” in Al Wakrah on the sidelines of the next quarter-final of the World Cup on Saturday in Al Khor between France and England.
There were so many questions about the French PSG striker, current top scorer in the World Cup with 5 goals, that at one point the Manchester City player couldn’t suppress a laugh. “We don’t play tennis, football is not an individual sport. France is more than Mbappé“, did he declare.
The performance of Mbappé, 23, and his top speed measured at one point at 35 km / h against Poland in the round of 16, have continued to impress observers.
“It would be madness if we only focused on Mbappé“, felt Walker.”They also have Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann et Olivier Giroud. They are all great footballers.“
Mbappe has faced Walker several times in the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain and not long ago the Parisian described the Briton as one of the toughest defenders to face. Walker is physically strong and also fast according to the French N.10. “It’s nice to hear that“said Walker, whose top speed against Senegal was measured at 34.4 km/h.”At a World Cup, you want to measure yourself against the greatest players. We have respect for Mbappé and France, but again not too much. We have a very good team ourselves.“
England lost to Croatia in the semi-finals of the World Cup four years ago, eventually finishing fourth beaten by Belgium in the third-place game. Last summer, the national coach’s team Gareth Southgate reached the final of the Euro and had lost in the final, at Wembley, on penalties against Italy. “I hope we can go this far for the third time in a row. We score quite easily and don’t concede many goals. Confidence is high“Walker said again.
