Deschamps backs Mbappe to ‘make the difference’ in England showdown

The French striker is leading the World Cup’s Golden Boot race after a string of impressive performances.

Didier Deschamps believes Kylian Mbappe can play a decisive role for France in their upcoming World Cup clash against England.

Mbappe has scored five times in France’s four World Cup games so far, despite being heavily man-marked in most of the games.

Deschamps admits England will have their own plans to stop the Paris Saint-Germain star. However, he still believes the striker will be able to continue his “decisive” role.

“I am sure England will have prepared to face Kylian as our previous opponents did,” Deschamps told reporters on Friday.

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“But Kylian is in the position to make the difference and even in the last match where he didn’t show his top form he was still decisive.

“We have other players that can be dangerous as well and that helps us not be over dependent on Kylian. But Kylian is Kylian and he has that capacity to make the difference.”

Mbappe will play against England right-back Kyle Walker on Saturday. The Manchester City believes he has enough experience to control the 23-year-old in the Al Bayt Stadium.

“I do understand what I need to do and that is to stop him,” Walker said in a pre-match press conference.

“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.”