FRANCE'S KYLIAN MBAPPE MISSES TRAINING AHEAD OF ENGLAND QUARTERFINAL

By Rashmi Goel

In the days preceding France's quarter-final match against England, Kylian Mbappe has been absent from France's latest training session. With a brace against Poland in the last 16, the Paris Saint-Germain star has scored five goals in four games during the early stages of the tournament. For the Three Lions to reach the semi-finals for a third consecutive major tournament, stopping Mbappe will be of the utmost importance. On Tuesday, the 23-year-old did not appear on the pitch for France's open training session, raising concerns about his fitness. During a light session in front of the assembled press, Didier Deschamps' team underwent preparations for the match on Saturday. On the recommendation of the team doctor, Mbappe was not included in Les Bleus' squad. Mbappe worked alone in the recovery room after Deschamps and the medical expert had a lengthy discussion prior to the session. Later reports have indicated that Mbappe always intended to have a recovery session away from the main group as he prepares for the weekend.

So far, Mbappe has been one of the most impressive players in the Qatari tournament. The Golden Boot race is currently led by him with five goals. The Paris Saint-Germain forward scored twice in a 3-1 victory over Poland in the last 16 to secure a meeting with the Three Lions. After being named man of the match in that victory, Mbappe stated: "This World Cup is an obsession for me, it's my dream competition." For the past two seasons, I have focused my preparation on this competition and on being physically and mentally prepared for it. Although things are going well so far, we are still a long way from the goal we have set for ourselves and that I have set for myself. As far as I am concerned, the only objective I have is to win the World Cup, which means that I must reach the quarterfinals. My goal is to achieve exactly that. The Golden Ball was not something I came here to win. As a member of the French national team, I am here for the team's success.