FIFA World Cup 2022: What is Gareth Southgate’s anti-Mbappe plan?

As England and France face off in the high-voltage quarter-final clash at the FIFA World Cup 2022 on Sunday, December 11, the worry of Kylian Mbappe has taken England by storm. Discussions around the match seem to hover around only one topic – how to stop Kylian Mbappe? 

However, Three Lions fans need not worry as the Independent reports that England manager Gareth Southgate has conjured up a special plan to stop the 23-year-old PSG striker from France. 

Also read: FIFA World Cup 2022: Will Kylian Mbappe be fit to play against England?

Touted as the anti-Mbappe plan, reports say that Southgate and his coaching staff have been preparing for this plan for two years now, anticipating a clash with France in the FIFA World Cup. 

Although Southgate has not cleared the air around the plan in order to not give any advantage to France’s preparations, reports say that the plan is quite simple: put an equally dangerous player in front of Mbappe who can keep him under control. 

Also read: England vs France FIFA World Cup 2022: Head-to-head, stats, predicted line-ups and formations

Kylie Walker, the Manchester City fullback, is perhaps the most suitable player to face the French speedster. With his recovery pace being one of the best in the world, he can be expected to keep track of Mbappe throughout the quarter-final.

However, Mbappe is leading the race for the golden boot with five goals. The form he has shown in this World Cup has not been anticipated by any football expert, given how his season has gone so far for PSG. Since the very first match, he has been firing goals for France and England is naturally weary of the threat. 

Also read: FIFA World Cup 2022: Why Croatia, Serbia federations have been fined by FIFA?

The French squad has been ravaged with injury and some of the key players from the 2018 win, such as N’golo Kante and Paul Pogba are missing. Karim Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner is also out of the squad with a knee injury. 

In spite of the unavailability of players considered key, they have shown incredible strength and are one of the favorites to win the World Cup.