Kyle Walker backed to handle ‘very good’ Kylian Mbappe in France versus England game

Kyle Walker England

England midfielder James Maddison has backed Kyle Walker to “do a job” on France star Kylian Mbappe when both sides meet in the World Cup quarter-final this Saturday.

The Three Lions booked their place in the quarter-finals round of the tournament thanks to an impressive 3-0 win over Senegal. They will meet Mbappe’s France, who defeated Poland 4-1, in a game where Mbappe scored two goals and gave one assist.

The 23-year-old was named the young player of the tournament in Russia and has already scored five goals in Qatar.

He’s leading the goal chart and will be a handful for any fullback in the world.

However, ahead of France’s meeting with England, Leicester City midfielder James Madison has stated his national team teammate Kyle Walker will be able to stop the Paris Saint-Germain man.

“He’s obviously a fantastic player, one of the best in the world,” he told talkSPORT. “I’m sure we’ll prepare right to try and stop him.

“Kyle Walker started at 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.

“We’ve got a lot to be wary of but the tactical work that we do, and the staff here, the work that goes on in the background that people don’t see, will leave us in good stead hopefully, and hopefully we can progress.”

Meanwhile, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand and Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer believe that England can win against France.

Gareth Southgate’s side have scored the most goals in Qatar and no team has won more games than them.

Shearer believes the England squad should be confident going into Saturday’s clash with France and does not think they should “fear” the world champions.

“They should be full of confidence,” Shearer said on Match of the Day.

“It was almost perfect (against Senegal). For the first 20 to 25 minutes, they found one or two things difficult and had to rely on a brilliant save from the goalkeeper (Jordan Pickford).

“After that, I thought it was superb. The manager deserves great credit, he’s made big decisions again in his team selection. They’ve worked for him again.

“Respect France, admire France, yes. Fear them? Absolutely not. Let them fear us. Let them look at us and think, ‘Wow, the options England have’.

“He’s (Mbappe) very good, but we have some very good players in attacking positions as well, not only who we are going to start but also who can come on and change the game if need be.

“Let France fear England rather than the other way around.”

Rio Ferdinand also agreed with Shearer claiming that England should fancy their chances, given the players Deschamps is missing – including Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema.

“I think if you said to England they are going to play against a France team that are going to be without five of their starters and a 36-year-old centre-forward (Giroud), no disrespect…”

The former centre-half went as far as saying that England are a better team than Didier Deschamps’ side, despite the form of Mbappe.

“Go on the front foot and go and really put it to this French team because we have watched France and respect them.

“They’re a good team, but I don’t think they’re as good a team as this England team.

“They’ve got the superstar individual, but I think our nucleus of players are top drawer and will outshine him.”