Kylian Mbappe 'would struggle against Kyle Walker's physicality'

Kylian Mbappe ‘would struggle against Kyle Walker’s physicality’ if England were to meet France in the World Cup quarter-finals, claims Theo Walcott – but the ex-Arsenal winger warns the PSG star is ‘on a different level at the moment’

  • England and France are poised to meet each other in the quarter-finals in Qatar
  • Theo Walcott tipped Kyle Walker to be able to deal with Kylian Mbappe 
  • The two have faced off against each other before in the Champions League
  • Walker came out on top as Manchester City beat Paris Saint Germain in 2021
  • Follow Sportsmail’s daily World Cup live blog for all updates from Qatar 

Theo Walcott has tipped Kyle Walker to be able to deal with Kylian Mbappe – suggesting the France star would struggle with the defender’s ‘physicality’.

England and France, facing Senegal and Poland respectively in their last-16 ties, look poised to meet each other in the quarter-finals in a mouth-watering clash between two of the tournament’s fancied chances. 

Naturally, thoughts have already turned to the battle down France’s left-hand side with Mbappe likely to go up against Walker. 

Kyle Walker has been tipped to be able to deal with France superstar Kylian Mbappe in Qatar

England and France are poised to face each other in the quarter-finals of the World Cup 

Asked about the prospect of the two going up against each other, Walcott – himself known for his blistering pace during his days with Arsenal and England – suggested Mbappe would find it hard against the Manchester City defender. 

‘I would love to see it. I really would,’ Walcott told talkSPORT.

‘I feel like Mbappe would struggle against his [Walker’s] physicality, if I’m honest,’ he added.

Mbappe has enjoyed a stunning start to the World Cup – scoring three goals as France finished top of their group

‘He plays in the French league, which is a different kettle of fish to the Premier League and Walker has so much experience in the Champions League.

‘So it would be a great test. I think we all want to see it.

‘I couldn’t tell you who would win that because Mbappe is a different beast, he’s on a different level at the moment.’

Walker and Mbappe have previously come up against each other for their club sides, with City largely coming out on top. This included a 4-1 aggregate victory over the Parisian’s in spring 2021 and a 2-1 win over them at the Etihad in the group stages last season. Walker that night was praised for the way he dealt with the Frenchman. 

France have banished doubts surrounding their viability as a side to retain their World Cup crown with a series of encouraging performances, despite coming into the tournament off the back of a number of injuries to various high-profile players.

Walker made a return to action after the best part of two months against Wales on Tuesday

N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba, so key to their success four years ago in Russia, have both missed the entire tournament while Karim Benzema and Christopher Nkunku were ruled out on the eve of the tournament.

As it is, strong performances against Australia and Denmark – with Mbappe himself notching three goals – have led many to tip them to retain their crown. 

A defeat against Tunisia is unlikely to blot their copybook too much, with Didier Deschamps having rung the changes significantly. Every player, barring Alphonse Areola, has now played for France at this World Cup. 

France – despite being doubted before the tournament – look ominous and could be a chance to be the first side to retain the crown since Brazil in 1962

Meanwhile, England were boosted by the return of Walker – his first appearance since limping off against Manchester United for his club at the beginning of October – against Wales. 

His pace, as ever, proved a significant asset for Gareth Southgate’s side and his return is a real plus ahead of the knockout stages. 

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand agreed with Walcott that England have the perfect defender to deal with the French superstar.

‘For me, Kyle Walker is the only defender on the planet right now that will stand there and go to Mbappe: ‘Right, 1-v-1, let’s have a race.

‘He will back himself too. We saw it in the Euros. He’s got the confidence to do that and he’s the only one capable of doing that I think.’ 

Walker and Mbappe have come up against each other before – in the Champions League 




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