Kyle Walker said that he will not “roll out the red carpet for Kylian Mbappe” during England’s match with France.

The Three Lions defender will have to contain Paris Saint-Germain’s superstar during Saturday’s quarter-final.

Mbappe has scored five goals, leading the race to the golden boot in Qatar. Many speculate on how England will attempt to stop him.

Walker, Manchester City’s right-back, said that he was ready for the challenge. He also stated in a press conference, “We respect that he plays well, but we are not going to lay out a red carpet and tell him to score.

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“I represent my country in the quarter-finals of a World Cup. It’s really do or die. If we lose, we go home. He won’t stand in my way of achieving a World Cup victory for my country.

He said, “I understand what I have to do and that it is to stop him.”

It’s not an easy task, but it’s something I try to do. I’ve played against many great players in Man City and England.

“I must treat it like another game. I have to extra care and give him respect, but not too much, because he’s also playing England, and that can cause them problems.”

Walker has faced Mbappe four time in Champions League. He has been praised for his previous dealings with the forward from France.

Walker stated, “Obviously it is always going help because I’ve played with him a number times now with Manchester City,”

He is an amazing player and in top form. Although it will be difficult, professional footballers want to play against the best. I believe he is one the best, if not the greatest, in the world right now.

Concern has been expressed further up the pitch about England’s midfielder after Declan Rice was unable to train due to illness.

Three days before the match with France, the West Ham midfielder was absent from training with the rest.

Callum Wilson, a striker, missed training due to a muscle problem, Rahem Sterling who returned to the UK following an intruder attack on his home, and Ben White who fled Qatar last week for personal reasons.