Mbappe Tipped To Give Maguire, Stone Headache

By Daily Sports Nigeria on December 9, 2022

HARRY MAGUIRE and John Stones will find it nearly impossible to deal with Kylian Mbappe, according to former France left-back Patrice Evra.

And the Manchester United legend says Les Bleus have what it takes to “smash” England in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final.

Mbappe is set to go head to head with lightning fast right-back Kyle Walker at the Al Bayt Stadium.

But 81-cap Evra reckons the Paris Saint-Germain superstar will turn his attention to the Three Lions’ centre-back pair if he has no luck out wide.

He said: “Walker is going to block Mbappe, he did it against Neymar very well in the Champions League for Manchester City.

“He can be confident and say he’s got him because he’s fast and strong, but Mbappe will find a way to escape. He will move into the centre.

“I hope he does because Stones and Maguire won’t be able to deal with him. It will be difficult for them to stop him. 

“To stop Mbappe when he’s in the centre, you have to be close to him every time, frustrate him, foul him – he doesn’t like to be fouled.

“Maguire and Stones will love playing against [Olivier] Giroud though, he’s not fast, he’s strong and that is the jackpot for them.”

Evra reckons either team is capable of lifting the trophy next Sunday if they both get past their “biggest test of the tournament”.

But the 41-year-old reckons Didier Deschamps’ side could embarrass England on the biggest stage.

He told Betfair: “I am confident, but not arrogant. I’m happy with what France are doing. 

“It’s a big mix. I feel like France are going to smash England.

“France will face an angry, strong team. If they play with the attitude that they are stronger and more confident than England, France can smash them.

“Playing against England is always special as a French player. It’s always an amazing game.

“It’s a nice rivalry, it’s not bitter. We’re jealous of each other in a nice way.”

Despite Evra’s confidence in France’s ability to triumph – especially if “key player” Antoine Griezmann plays well – he warned Les Bleus against underestimating Gareth Southgate’s men.

Especially “unbelievable” Jude Bellingham.

He added: “With England, the star is the team. It’s not just one player. 

“This is the best English side, as a team, not as a group of individuals. England look more of a unit than France.

“But Bellingham will be by far the best midfielder England have ever had.

“What a joy it is to see him play. He is a complete player. It’s scary he’s only 19.”

Although Evra reckons France have it in them to wallop England, he has predicted a much tighter affair. 

He predicted: “I can see the game being 2-1 to France. We will score first then England will level. 

“Then I can see this being another moment for Mbappe to do Mbappe things in the last 10 minutes. I don’t see it going to extra time or penalties. If it does go to penalties, it’s a risk for France.

“It’s a big game and there’s lots of banter. I really thank England for all those great years, but it’s time for you guys to lose. I’ll be eating snails and singing ‘It’s coming home’, if France win.”

Source Sporting Sun

Posted December 9, 2022


 

You may also like...
Athletics: Consider eyes African Games gold

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s UK visa not renewed:...

Fury forecasts ‘biggest career year’ after defeating Chisora...

McGregor applies for boxing license in Nevada

Salah Targets Long Stay, More Titles At Liverpool...

UEFA adopts new regulations to replace financial fair...

 

Latest News Nigeria beat Cameroon to reach IHF final 27 schools for Doregos Basketball Championship Super Falcons to play France’s Les Bleues in friendly SWAN suspends ban on coverage of Anambra FA activities Joshua among boxing’s top three earners in 2024 Oshoala makes history with Bay FC Nnamani hails team over IHF bright start Flamingos lift U-17 W’Cup Fair Play Trophy Rangers Intl, SWAN partner on sports collaboration in SE LAGOS SWAN CELEBRATES AIG ZONE 2 ON HIS BIRTHDAY AND 30 DAYS IN OFFICE Traders Cup: Upholstery Soccer Team Secured 2nd Win To Advance To Round Two Lagos SWAN Celebrates Oba Akiolu, Iyaloja General, AIG Fayoade

 

Most Read Rangers International going, going . . . (55,140 views) Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (46,267 views) Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (44,349 views) Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (43,989 views) Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (43,930 views) Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (43,877 views) Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (43,717 views) NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (43,287 views) Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (42,331 views) Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (41,034 views) Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (39,487 views) John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (38,915 views)

 

Phone numbers

Tel: +234(0)8066020976
+234(0)8055068145
+234(0)7013416146
+234(0)8094272884

Email addresses

info@dailysportsng.com
support@dailysportsng.com
publisher@dailysportsng.com

Office address

No 3, Adetoun Close, Off College Road, Ogba, Ikeja Lagos.
Website: www.dailysportsng.com

Social Media