Dhaka, March 20 -- Kylian Mbappe is back in action for France as they face Croatia in the Nations League quarterfinals, marking his return after a six-month absence. On Wednesday, he admitted to past shortcomings in his captaincy.

Now a Real Madrid player, Mbappe will captain Les Bleus in Split for Thursday's first leg, with the return fixture set for Sunday at Stade de France.

This will be his first start for France since a 3-1 defeat to Italy on Sept. 6 at Parc des Princes, the home stadium of his former club Paris Saint-Germain. Reflecting on that period, Mbappe acknowledged he did not handle his responsibilities well.

"I am self-aware enough to recognize my strengths and weaknesses. I know people were unhappy with my performances o...