International Friendlies: France 3-1 Italy, 5 Talking Points

#2 Mbappe is starting in the World Cup

Mbappe should start in the tournament proper

For all the talk of Didier Deschamps likely to opt for a two-man frontline of Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe has made him go back to the drawing board and rework his strategy. The PSG starlet was the best Frenchman on the field in the match, showing why he deserves to start every game in the tournament proper.

Starting on the right-hand side of a 3-pronged attack in a 4-3-3 set-up, Mbappe channeled tremendous attacking flair. He was an absolute menace down that flank, running forward with poise and laying off delicious crosses inside the box. He even tried his luck at goal from outside the box, unleashing a venomous shot that only marginally missed the target.

The 19-year-old may have been the only one among the front three of Griezmann, Dembele and him to have failed to get on the scoresheet, but he was the best and the most potent of the three. Having him in the starting line-up would be like an added edge to the French attack, for Mbappe is in an incredibly rich vein of form.

The ‘Best Young Player’ award looks to have his name on it already!