Manchester City defender Kyle Walker insists he will not "roll out the red carpet" for Kylian Mbappe when England take on France in their World Cup blockbuster on Saturday night.
Mbappe, 23, has been a shining light at the Qatar showcase with five goals from three starts to propel the holders into another last-eight showdown. England, meanwhile, have clocked up three wins and coasted past Senegal to book their spot in the quarters where they will meet the PSG superstar and his esteemed teammates.
After picking up an injury before the tournament, Walker defied the odds to be passed fit enough for inclusion and will be put through his paces by Mbappe at the Al-Bayt Stadium on Saturday night. The impending battle between the two players has been billed as a potentially game-defining one.
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However, while recognising the danger jet-heeled Mbappe poses, Walker has hinted he will be in no mood to back down with such a grand prize on offer for both teams.
During his pre-match press duties, Walker said: "I understand what I need to do and that is to stop him. It's easier said than done, but I don't underestimate myself.
"He is a fantastic player in great form. It is not going to be an easy task, but as a professional footballer you want to play against the best and I think he is one of the best, if not the best, in the world at the moment."
Walker continued: "You have to give him respect, but not too much. Yes it will be a tough game, but a team cannot just be about one person.
"I'm not going to roll out a red carpet for him and tell him to score. It's a World Cup, it's do or die."
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