Kylian could emulate Diego

KYLIAN MBAPPE is very different from Diego Maradona in his style of play but in terms of importance to their countries, there is a comparison to be made. Just like Argentina and Maradona in 1986, it’s hard to see France winning the World Cup without Mbappe. I’ve had the privilege of watching Mbappe in Qatar and it’s not just his skill and speed that help the French. The opposition are so aware of his threat, they congregate wherever he is on the pitch and that gives space to his team-mates. I can understand the fear factor he causes because you know, if he gets time on the ball, he will hurt you.

If England and France win today’s games, which I expect, it’s going to be an epic quarter-final between them. We’re probably the country best equipped to stop Mbappe because Kyle Walker is the only defender I can think of who would back himself one-on-one against him.

He’s done it before in Champions League games and I do remember one situation where Walker invited him up the line because he backed his own pace. I think Mbappe turned down the chance to run at the Manchester City right-back!

That’s not to say Mbappe isn’t intelligent enough to try to counter by moving inside and picking on other defenders. England can beat France even with Mbappe.

Without their star player, I don’t see Didier Deschamps’ men holding on to the World Cup they won in Russia.