Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has been quoted by The Mail as saying that Tottenham striker Harry Kane is “very tough” and an “outstanding” player as England and France prepare to do battle on Saturday evening at the World Cup.
Kane, 29, opened his account in the previous round for England – hammering in a second after an incisive break away against Senegal. Arguably England’s best display in Qatar so far, momentum is really growing. But France are next.
One of Gareth Southgate’s biggest tests since becoming England boss, the Three Lions will have to surpass France to reach the semi-finals and keep their World Cup dream alive. Kane is likely to start for the fifth time in Qatar.
Liverpool man Konate, who has come up against Kane in the Premier League – told French media about the Spurs man. He says that Kane is “outstanding” and very tough, but he is not only England’s danger man ahead of Saturday.
“Everyone knows Harry Kane,” Konate said. “Kane is an outstanding footballer. I have played against him and he is very tough. This is a big test. But he is not England’s only dangerous player, not at all. There is a lot of danger in their team.”
Konate: Tottenham striker Kane is very tough, an ‘outstanding’ player
High praise from Konate, who is well-equipped to deal with Kane – as a striker. But where Kane can hurt France’s back line, is when he drops in deep and plays more like an attacking midfielder. Feeding on-rushing teammates to score.
But if England are to secure their place in the semi-finals, then it is all about stopping Kylian Mbappe. He is the best player in the world at the moment, and will be the best player on the park come Saturday. Stopping him is crucial.
If England can limit him while also keeping the likes of Olivier Giroud, Ousmane Dembele, Adrien Rabiot and Antoine Griezmann quiet – then the Three Lions have every chance of testing France’s questionable defence.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
