♦ The France captain wanted an update on England’s Euro 2024 clash v Slovakia
♦ Kylian Mbappe was left shocked after hearing the Three Lions were losing
Kylian Mbappe was shocked upon hearing England were trailing 1-0 against Slovakia in the closing minutes of the heated last-16 Euro 2024 tie.
The France captain was speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s own European Championship knockout encounter against close rivals Belgium and was keen to find out news from England’s game.
Mbappe previously starred when France knocked England out of the World Cup two years ago at the quarter-final stage and could meet the Three Lions again if both teams get to the Euro 2024 final.
Slovakia looked set to pull off their greatest-ever victory when they led Gareth Southgate’s side heading into the final minute of stoppage time in Gelsenkirchen.
Ivan Schranz had opened the scoring to give Slovakia the lead in the 25th minute, with England then underwhelming as they attempted to claw themselves back onto level terms.
Kylian Mbappe was shocked upon hearing England were trailing 1-0 against Slovakia in the closing minutes of the heated last-16 Euro 2024 tie
England players looked set to be heading home from Euro 2024 before scoring late on
Ivan Schranz (middle) scored to give Slovakia a shock lead in the 25th minute against England
Another underwhelming performance was turned on its head when Mbappe’s Real Madrid team-mate Jude Bellingham scored an incredible 95th minute equaliser.
Bellingham was England’s saviour as he manipulated his body to produce a stunning bicycle kick off a long throw-in that caught Slovakia’s defenders unawares, with Harry Kane scoring the winner at the start of extra time.
Mbappe departed the press conference before Bellingham’s heroics, but enjoyed a hilarious interaction with journalists as England trailed and upon hearing the score said ‘crazy’.
Mbappe will be hoping to extend France’s stay at the European Championship when they meet Belgium on Monday
The 25-year-old pulled a shocked facial expression as he was told England were heading for elimination and beamed as he concluded his media duties.
Mbappe will be hoping to extend France’s stay at the European Championship when they meet Belgium at the Dusseldorf Arena in what is expected to be a fiery clash.
Les Blues boss Didier Deschamps is reliant on Mbappe hitting top form with the World Cup winner only scoring once so far at Euro 2024 and France yet to score in open play.
Mbappe has endured a stuttering start at the competition, breaking his nose in the first group game against Austria before missing the Netherlands clash and returning against Poland.