Ahead Of England Vs France, Walker: I'm Not Against Mbappe, It's Not Tennis

JAKARTA - England's right-back Kyle Walker refused to focus solely on Kylian Mbappe ahead of the quarter-final match between the Three Lions and France on Saturday the day after tomorrow.

Manchester City defender explained that he respects the Paris Saint-Germain star but noted that he would do everything he could to help his team qualify for the next round.

"The game is not England v Mbappe, this is England vs France," Walker was quoted as saying by Marca on Thursday.

"We will give him respect but I will not roll out the red carpet for him to score. Do it or die as if we lost we went home.

"I understand what I need to do and that's to stop it. This may be easier to say than to do but I don't underestimate myself.

"I've faced great players before, so I treat this game like any other game.

"I would give him the respect he deserves but not too much because this is England."

Mbappe previously stressed that Walker had made it difficult for him the last time they faced each other in the Champions League.

"It's great to hear that because he's had a tough game against me," Walker added.

"I know he's a top player but we don't play tennis. It's not a solo sport, it's a team game."

" ANYTHING can happen in 90 minutes. They need to worry about us, not just us worrying about them."