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.
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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.
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