- Hugo Lloris has defended Kylian Mbappe for his performance for France
- 18-year-old PSG star started against Bulgaria but had little impact in Sofia
- But the win courtesy of Blaise Matuidi’s strike means France are in pole position
- Another victory at home to Belarus on Tuesday would secure place in Russia
France captain Hugo Lloris has backed Kylian Mbappe to fire his country to the World Cup against Belarus on Tuesday night.
Didier Deschamps’ side need only a victory at the Stade de France to book their spot at Russia 2018, but a draw could allow Sweden to steal automatic qualification with a win over Holland.
Tottenham goalkeeper Lloris is confident his team-mates can produce one more winning display, and he has tipped their Paris Saint-Germain star to shine in front of the home supporters.
Hugo Lloris expects Kylian Mbappe’s qualities to come to the fore against Belarus on Tuesday
Mbappe has shone for Paris Saint-Germain since completing his switch from Monaco
‘Mbappe needs to keep up with the French team. It’s hard to judge a player’s performance in the game against Bulgaria,’ he said.
‘It was more of a fight. It’s hard to talk about the performance of a single player. The team fought, and we were in the duel and we won this game in a difficult way.
‘Kylian should not be held entirely responsible. He’s a young player, even if he’s very talented.
‘He still has time to make the next steps. He can rely on his talent because he is able to make a difference in the big moments.’
But the 18-year-old was subdued in the 1-0 win over Bulgaria in Sofia and more is expected
France will seal their place in Russia with a win over Belarus regardless of results elsewhere
France were beaten finalists at Euro 2016 when they were beaten by Portugal in a match many tipped them to win after impressing throughout the tournament.
The World Cup qualifying campaign has shown there to be no hangover from that disappointment, but Les Bleus can ill-afford to let complacency seep in at this late stage of the campaign.
Sweden will be buoyed by their 8-0 demolition of Luxembourg as they head to Holland looking to inflict the final nail in the coffin of the Dutch’s dismal quest to reach Russia, and Llloris has called on France to be aggressive against the Belarusians.
‘Every team struggle against sides who play compact behind. We must be aggressive from the start,’ the 30-year-old added. ‘They’re coming here to defend so we will have to find the solution.’
Lloris springs into action in Sofia on his way to earning a vital clean sheet towards qualification
Mbappe gets a shot away at goal in the Bulgaria match with another three points needed