Southgate suggests only way to stop Mbappe is to ‘work collectively’

Kylian Mbappe has once again proven to be the hero for France in the World Cup as the PSG superstar has already scored 5 times and assisted twice in the competition so far. As England prepares to face France, much of the discussion around the game has been focused on how England would stop Mbappe, something that England boss Southgate believes can only be done by team effort.

While many pundits have suggested that the duel between England right-back

and Kylian Mbappe will ultimately decide the game, Southgate isn’t ready to let their whole game ride on that pairing.

"He’s [Walker] been a very important player for us over the last six years,"

Southgate said.

"Kyle is ready. We, of course, are talking about one of the opposition, but we play France who are a fantastic team.

"We're aware of the quality of the whole squad. He's [Didier Deschamps] created a team that is stronger than the individuals. That's great credit to him, we know we've got to be at our very best to win the game."

When he was prodded about

, Southgate continued: "Same as every position on the field, you have 10 one-v-one battles, but then everybody else round those battles has to support their team-mate.

"You've got to work collectively to stop any player like that. You’ve got to work the areas of the pitch zonally to make sure there's good coverage and support for every player on the pitch, simple as that."

England captain Harry Kane has also backed his former Tottenham teammate Walker to have a good game, saying: "Kyle is a fantastic defender. He's been probably the most consistent right back there's been for the last 10 years or so.

"He's playing at the highest level I think he's ever played at. I know everyone's talking about Kyle and Kylian, but Kyle will be focused on doing his job for the team as he always does. He's one of the best defenders."

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