Varane backs Mbappe to keep leading
RAPHAELVARANE is banking on Kylian Mbappe to continue spearheading France’s latest World Cup bid.
Two goals from Mbappe in Les Bleus’ 2-1 win against Denmark on Saturday helped the French become the first defending world champions to reach the last 16 since Brazil in 2006.
The victory sawVarane’s return to the centre of defence after he limped off in tears after sustaining a hamstring injury playing for Manchester United on October 22.
Varane, below, feared that his World Cup might well be over before he had even kicked a ball in Qatar.
However, the 29-year-old said: “I’m very happy, very satisfied to be here.
“I’ve worked very hard and I enjoyed it a lot.
“It’s always special to play at a World Cup, to play for your country.
“I’m making the most of it.”
Didier Deschamps’ side are back in action in their final Group D game on Wednesday against Tunisia.
France are without a host of injured players, including Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante, and Christopher Nkunku for this tournament.
But Paris Saint-Germain superstar Mbappe, 23, has stepped up to the plate with three goals already in a stunning start in Qatar.
Mbappe has now scored 14 times in France’s past 12 matches and has sevenWorld Cup goals in his young career.
That is more than legendary France and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, who played in four tournaments.
Mbappe is also now level with Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, Pele, for most goals in World Cup history before turning 24.
Varane said: “We have some great young players like Kylian, who is playing so well.
“It is early in the tournament but we are all going to try to help them maintain their level which is so important for us.”