France Midfielder Youssouf Fofana is convinced that the attacker Kylian Mbappé will have the last word against England in the quarter-finals on Saturday after Kyle Walker said he would not let the striker stand in the way of his World Cup ambitions.
The battle between England right-back Walker and French top scorer Mbappe could be the key to the outcome of the teams’ first meeting in the knockout stages of a major tournament.
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While Walker discussed the subject at length on WednesdayMbappé remained silent.
“If he knows how to stop Kylian, good for him,” Fofana said at a press conference on Thursday.
“But 19 other teams in Ligue 1, and others in the Champions League, were waiting for the solution. The truth will come from the field. We have full confidence in Kylian.
“Kylian doesn’t read the newspapers, sorry for you! He doesn’t read what you write, he concentrates on his game. He is concentrated on what the team has to do and what he has to do. I feeling very calm. and determined.”
Fofana was among the fringe players who represented France in the final Group D match against Tunisiawhich ended in a 1-0 defeat.
This result led to some comments that France lacked strength in depth, while England could rely on an impressive bench.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion. It will be up to us to prove them wrong,” Fofana said.
The winner of Saturday’s clash at Al Bayt Stadium will face either Morocco Or Portugal for a place in the final on December 18.
“The team that makes the fewest mistakes will win this match,” said the France central defender. Dayot Upamecano predicted.
