A year ago
Walker, according to Ferdinand, is the only defender on the planet with the speed to stop Mbappe.
Kyle Walker, according to Rio Ferdinand, is "the only defender on the planet" with the quickness to stop Kylian Mbappe.
If England plays France in the World Cup quarterfinals, stopping Mbappe would rank among the most difficult challenges facing Gareth Southgate's team.
Walker made his tournament debut in the triumph over Wales, playing 57 minutes after returning from injury.
Walker will aim to make a big impact at the tournament, despite Southgate starting Kieran Trippier at right-back in England's first two group games.
Despite Mbappe's reputation for speed, Ferdinand believes Manchester City defender Walker will "back himself" to beat the Frenchman with his pace.
Ferdinand claimed on his YouTube channel that Kyle Walker is the only defender in the world at the moment who will stay still and tell Mbappe, "Right, 1-v-1, let's race."
He will also support himself. The Euros demonstrated it. I believe that only he is capable of doing that and that he has the confidence to do it.
With three goals, Mbappe ranks among the top scorers at the World Cup and is unquestionably one of the best players in the game.
Gary Neville, though, thinks Walker is the "ideal right-back" to stop Mbappe because of his speed, strength, and experience.
Walker, who is 32 years old and has 71 caps for England, has a ton of experience.
I always felt we'd play three at the back in this tournament, but I don't think we will anymore, Neville stated in a Sky Sports interview.
John Stones and Harry Maguire are holding up despite my doubts about their center-back pairing.
I don't believe that what they have faced thus far in the first three games will be at all similar to what they will encounter going forward. It appears to be on a collision course already, don't you think? Walker versus Mbappe. If anyone can contain Mbappe, our right-back is the one to do it because of their physicality, pace, and experience.
If England were to face France in the round of eight, there are still obstacles to be overcome.
In the round of 16, England must defeat Senegal while France takes on Poland.
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