James Maddison has revealed how he thinks England can stop Kylian Mbappe on Saturday.
Mbappe has been hands down one of the best players in the World Cup so far. With five goals in the tournament already, the PSG star has shown no signs of slowing down and has given every full back he’s come up against nightmares.
But Maddison believes that England could shut down the in-form winger.
In an interview with talkSport, the Leicester midfielder revealed which player could “do a job” against Mbappe.
“He’s obviously a fantastic player, one of the best in the world, I’m sure we’ll prepare right to try and stop him.” Maddison said.
“Kyle Walker started right-back in the game against Senegal and he’s one of the best full-backs in the world. I think if anyone can do a job, it’s him.
“But, listen, France have a lot of threats. It’s not just Kylian Mbappe. They’re a brilliant team and that’s why they are reigning champions.
Maddison isn’t the first person to single out Walker as the best option against Mbappe, BBC pundit Gary Lineker wanted the Man City full-back rested against Senegal so he could be fully fit for France.
🗣 “Kyle Walker is probably the only full-back on the planet that can compete with Kylian Mbappe.”@GaryLineker says Gareth Southgate should rest Kyle Walker against Senegal.
Agree? 🤔#BBCWorldCup #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/FfVTyj0qTX
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 2, 2022
But like Maddison said, France have a lot of threats and if you completely focus on Mbappe then you are leaving yourself open in other areas.
Do you think Walker can ‘do a job’ against Mbappe on Saturday?