SPEEDY England defender Kyle Walker can have Kylian Mbappe in his back pocket tomorrow night — thanks to a bit of jean-ius fashioned by The Sun.Kyle, 32, will be given the tough job of tackling the flying French forward in the World Cup quarter-final.
England fans are hoping Kyle has what it takes in the locker to match the speedy French front line
France’s pacey winger, Kylian Mbappe, could be a handful for the English defenceCredit: Getty
While Kyle and his team-mates ironed out their plans, supporters both in Qatar and back home are gearing up for the big gameCredit: Getty
So to encourage him to give Mbappe the bum’s rush, we produced jeans emblazoned with three lions and the name Kyle Walker Jeans Co.
Under the label, Mbappe peeks out of the pocket — a sure sign the French will be legging it from the tournament after an England stitch-up.
Last night fan Paul Elliott, a 50-year-old building contractor from Kent, said: “I’d love a pair of these.
“Everyone will be praying Kyle has a belter of a game.”
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Daniel Embleton, a 42-year-old risk manager from London, added:
“The jeans are great fun. Let’s just hope the message comes true.”
While Kyle and his team-mates ironed out their plans, supporters both in Qatar and back home geared up for the big game — and hopefully a march to the final.
And preparations in the England camp were give a double boost by forward Raheem Sterling and singer Robbie Williams.
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Raheem, 27, returned to the training base following a dash to his Surrey family home, plundered by raiders who snatched jewellery and watches worth £300,000.
And pop star Robbie, 48, put on a VIP show and singalong of hits including Angels at their Souq Al Wakra Hotel.
He posted a snap of himself with stars Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford, and wrote: “I’m at the England camp with the lads. How lucky I am?”
Midfielder Kalvin Phillips said of the poolside gig: “There were a couple of duets but I’m not going to name names. They were very good duets, to be fair.
“And we had the chance to chat to him. He’s an unbelievably talented person but also a really nice person. He got along with everyone.
“It was a pleasure to have him. Knowing how big he is in the world and how well he’s doing, it’s an honour to have met him and spoken to him.”
Kieran Trippier added: “In these little moments, everyone’s buzzing around the place and to hear him sing. It was a great moment for everyone going into a big game.
“He was brilliant. It’s the first time I’ve ever met him. I’ve got say he’s a great guy. Really down to earth, really humble guy.”
There was also an emotional goodbye as the Three Lions squad stars said thanks to their guardian angel — head of security Tony Conniford.
He is leaving the FA after nine years with the team. Kalvin said: “It was a good night in general. We said farewell to Tony. For me, he has been one of the guys I have always gone to when needing help. He is a massive part of the England set-up as well.”
An FA spokesman said of Robbie’s visit: “It was just a private performance within an outdoor area of the team hotel — arranged via the players and enjoyed by all.”
Last night the atmosphere was ramping up in Qatari capital Doha as a 10,000-strong army of lionhearts began arriving.
Pop star Robbie, 48, put on a VIP show and singalong of hits including Angels at their Souq Al Wakra Hotel
Here’s Robbie’s World Cup eleven
At home, the game is set to give another vital shot in the arm to the UK’s struggling hospitality sector, beset by cost of living woes.
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Analysis from small business insurance provider Simply Business suggests UK pubs could get a £155million boost from the tournament as a whole.
KYLE Walker paid tribute to a tragic pal yesterday, posting a snap of himself with “caring and loving” footie agent Dominic Yarwood on what would have been his birthday. Dominic went missing aged 32 last December and was later found dead in woodland. An inquest in May gave a verdict of suicide. More
