Konate relishing Mbappe-Walker battle as France prepare for England test

Ibrahima Konate is relishing the chance to see Kylian Mbappe and Kyle Walker’s battle up close and personal when France face England in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Les Bleus are into the last eight after victory over Poland, with Didier Deschamps’ side now set to take on Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions, one of the few unbeaten sides left at Qatar 2022.

Forward Mbappe, who sits atop the Golden Boot standings with five goals to his name, has been the form player at the tournament so far.

But he will face arguably his toughest test yet in England right-back Walker, with Konate looking forward to seeing the pair square off.

“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.”

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