VARANE: I CAN COUNT ON KYL

RAPHAEL VARANE is banking on Kylian Mbappe to continue leading France’s latest World Cup glory bid.

Mbappe’s two goals in Les Bleus’ 2-1 win against Denmark (celebrating, above) on Saturday helped the French become the first defending champs to reach the last 16 since Brazil in 2006.

The victory saw Varane’s return to the centre of defence after he limped off in tears from sustaining a hamstring injury playing for Manchester United on October 22.

Varane (right) feared his World Cup might be over before he kicked a ball in Qatar, but 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.”

France are back in action in their final Group D game against Tunisia on Wednesday, with Paris Saint-germain superstar Mbappe, 23, aiming to add to his three goals in Qatar.

He has now scored 14 goals in France’s last 12 matches and has seven World Cup goals in total.

Varane added: “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.”