Kyl a big thrill for Varane
RAPHAEL VARANE is banking on superstar Kylian Mbappe to continue spearheading France’s bid to retain the World Cup.
Mbappe’s two goals in Les Bleus’ 2-1 win against Denmark on Saturday helped the defending champions become the first team to reach the last 16 in Qatar.
The victory saw Varane’s return to the centre of defence after he limped off with a hamstring injury playing for Manchester United on October 22.
At one time Varane feared his World Cup might be over before he kicked a ball in Qatar but he said: “I’m very happy and very satisfied to be here.
“I’ve worked very hard and I enjoyed playing a lot.
“It’s always special to play at a World Cup, to play for your country and now I’m making the most of it.”
Didier Deschamps’ side are back in action on Wednesday in their final Group D game against Tunisia.
France are without injured stars including Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante and Christopher Nkunku for this tournament.
But Paris St-Germain striker Mbappe has stepped up to the plate with three goals already.
He has scored 14 goals in France’s last 12 matches and has a total of seven World Cup goals in his young career.
That’s more than France legend Thierry Henry, who played in four World Cups.
Mbappe is also level with Brazil’s all-time leading scorer Pele for the 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.”