France captain Kylian Mbappe has pledged to strengthen his defensive contributions as the two-time world champions gear up for their World Cup campaign, starting against Senegal on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old Real Madrid striker has faced criticism regarding his performances and leadership for both club and country. His international teammate, Ousmane Dembele, voiced support for him, stating that the scrutiny had gone "too far."

In an interview with French newspaper La Parisien, Mbappe acknowledged the need for improvement in his defensive game, especially after receiving playful jabs from his younger brother Ethan, who plays for Ligue 1 side Lille.

Mbappe remarked, "I need to take the extra step [with my defensive work] because it's something important for the team and I have to do it. It will start this time because we want to win, and to win, I'm ready to do whatever because I want to win at all costs."

Having transferred to Real Madrid from Paris St-Germain in 2024, Mbappe has faced challenges in his second season at the Bernabeu amid growing fan frustration and rumors of dressing room unrest. Despite being La Liga's top scorer, his defensive stats have been underwhelming. According to Opta data:

• He ranked 1,350th out of 1,490 players in Europe’s top five leagues for combined interceptions, blocks, tackles made, and possession won.
• He managed only 0.14 tackles per 90 minutes, placing him fifth lowest in the rankings.

As the World Cup approaches, Mbappe's commitment to enhancing his defensive work may prove crucial for France's success.