Didier Deschamps says ‘team player’ Kylian Mbappe would understand being rested

Didier Deschamps insisted Kylian Mbappe would have no problem with being benched for France’s final group game against Tunisia on Wednesday if the coach decides to rest his star striker

STAR STRIKER: Kylian Mbappe’s Golden Boot hopes could be dented if he is rested for France’s match against Tunisia. Pic: Nick Potts/PA

Didier Deschamps insisted Kylian Mbappe would have no problem with being benched for France’s final World Cup group game against Tunisia on Wednesday if the coach decides to rest his star striker.

The reigning champions are all-but assured of top spot in Group D given their three-point advantage and vastly superior goal difference to second-placed Australia, and Deschamps spent much of Tuesday’s press conference batting away attempts by journalists to work out how many changes he might make.