When France plays England in the World Cup quarterfinals, Ibrahima Konate is eager to get a close-up view of Kylian Mbappe and Kyle Walker’s struggle.
Following their victory against Poland, Didier Deschamps’ team will now face one of the few remaining unbeaten teams in Qatar 2022 when they face Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions.
The tournament’s top performer thus far has been forward Kylian Mbappe, who leads the Golden Boot standings with five goals.
But in England right-back Walker, he will likely have his biggest test to date. Konate is eager to watch the two clash.
“Walker and Mbappe are two very great players,” he said. “Walker is one of the best right-backs in the world, I cannot wait to see this battle.
“[But] it’s complicated [to defend against Mbappe]. Kylian is impressive. Each year, he evolves and becomes even better.
“I don’t know where he will stop. We are lucky to have him in our team and not against us.”
This is the 9️⃣th time 🇫🇷 have reached the 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿-𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 of a 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝗽, and the 3️⃣rd time in a row (2014, 2018, 2022) 👊
#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/mGcvRInjba
— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) December 7, 2022
Mbappe missed team training on Tuesday, instead completing routines inside away from the rest of the squad, sparking fears of a potential injury knock.
But Konate shut down such talk, suggesting instead it was a preordained decision as part of his post-match recovery process.
“It was a little recovery session, the day before we had a day off,” he added. “I think he decided to stay indoors with the coach.
“There is nothing to worry about. We are counting on him as on all the players in the group. Everyone must be in good health to face England.”
