World Cup: Can Kyle Walker stop Kylian Mbappé?

Kyle Walker will face Kylian Mbappé on Saturday when England take on France for a place in the semi-finals of the World Cup.

Mbappé has been unplayable in Qatar, scoring five goals to become the top scorer at the tournament, but Walker says he is ready for the challenge.

“I do understand what I need to do and that is to stop him,” the right-back 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.”

Experience facing Mbappé

The Manchester City defender has faced Mbappé in the Champions League on four previous occasions and earned praise for how he has dealt with the 23-year-old Frenchman.

“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.”

Southgate’s system

England head coach Gareth Southgate could deploy a back three against Didier Deschamps reigning champions on Saturday.

When asked about his role in a different system, Walker said: “I don’t really bomb forward as much as I used to playing for Tottenham as a wing-back, it is about reading the game, the opponent, the formation the manager wants you to play in and adapting to that.

“I will do whatever the manager asks in terms of benefiting the team.”