Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Kyle Newbould

Jordan Henderson rubbishes talk of Kylian Mbappe advice from Liverpool team-mate

Jordan Henderson has dismissed suggestions that Ibrahima Konate could give anything away about Kylian Mbappe before their World Cup quarter-final.

The Liverpool pair are set to meet at the Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday after both confirming their place in the last eight over the weekend. France were commanding in their 3-1 win against Poland while Henderson scored the opening goal in his side's 3-0 win against Senegal last night. The Reds captain was again brilliant alongside Declan Rice and the outstanding Jude Bellingham in midfield.

But as comfortable as England looked in beating the African champions, Saturday's meeting with France and Mbappe presents an entirely different and more difficult test. The French winger is among the world's best players at the moment and has already bagged five goals in four games out in Qatar, following a brilliant brace yesterday.

READ MORE: Liverpool news and takeover LIVE - Saudi-Qatar consortium latest, Jude Bellingham claim, Luis Diaz return

READ MORE: Liverpool insiders have already given Jude Bellingham clue ahead of Jordan Henderson 'handshake'

Henderson and the England squad will expect no favours from their domestic teammates, however, with the Liverpool man quick to rubbish rather hopeful talk he might get a few tips from Konate.

“No I don’t think that Konate will give us anything on Mbappe,” Henderson said. “I am sure of it. A world class team, a team at world class level, Mbappe is probably in his best ever form, he’s probably the best player in the world at the moment alongside Messi. Incredible player.

“But when you look at the team, in all the positions, the quality that is there. They are world champions right now and it will be a very difficult test for us next week.”

How England decide to face up to Mbappe remains to be seen, but Kyle Walker's inclusion in the starting line-up for the last two games suggests his recovery pace will be relied upon. Gareth Southgate could also decided to play Walker in a back-three with one of Kieran Trippier or Trent Alexander-Arnold and double up on the 23-year-old - although that would force the loss of one of the effective midfield trio.

The Three Lions will also have to try and suppress Olivier Giroud fresh off the back of the former Arsenal man becoming his nation's all-time leading goalscorer.

READ NEXT

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.