London-born ex-Super Eagles star insists Walker needs help to stop Mbappe, praises Maguire 

London-born former Nigeria international Sam Sodje has revealed that it would be difficult for Kyle Walker to stop France superstar Kylian Mbappe without the help of his England teammates. 

The Three Lions take on the World Cup defending champions in a mouthwatering quarterfinal clash at the Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor on Saturday evening. 

The Paris Saint-Germain striker has been a threat to opposition defences at the ongoing World Cup, scoring five goals in four matches to lead the way in goals scored in Qatar. 

Walker managed to contain Mbappe in the away leg of last season's Champions League with the 23-year-old failing to find the back of the net but could not prevent him from scoring at the Etihad Stadium. 

"As a defender I don't think we should put it on Kyle Walker because he needs help," Sodje told allnigeriasoccer.com on Saturday.

"Mbappe is a good player and he's really on form, it will be unfair for the rest of the team to allow Kyle Walker to do the job by himself."

Sodje has been impressed with the performances of Harry Maguire at the World Cup, noting that the Manchester United central defender has silenced his critics with his fine displays. 

Maguire has helped England post three consecutive shutouts against United States, Wales and Senegal. 

"The England team has really done well. Harry Maguire has had issues all through the season but whenever he puts on the England shirt he has always played well, he has had a good World Cup. 

"I have to give him respect for him to come away from that mentality and play well, we have to respect him.

"It will be a very tough game today but I always know the English defenders are properly coached, hopefully they can be strong and win the game for them."

England and France have met twice at the World Cup, with the Three Lions winning both games in 1966 and 1982.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit : fifa.com 

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