A week into the greatest show on earth, the World Cup has already delivered incredible moments. Lionel Messi's hat-trick for Argentina was glorious, setting up a sensational shoot-out with Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland. The big-name strikers are off the mark, promising the most hotly-contested Golden Boot in World Cup history.
England's Statement Victory
England's six-goal thriller against Croatia was a statement victory for Thomas Tuchel, as the Three Lions joined France, Argentina, and Germany in making impressive winning starts. This is the biggest World Cup ever, with 48 teams, lavish and outrageous, and interest growing in the United States.
The distances between joint hosts America, Canada, and Mexico, along with climate and conditions, present major challenges for players and fans. But this tournament has the makings of a spectacular event. After every team has played at least once, here are my takes on the highs and lows so far.
Most Impressed: Jude Bellingham
Close to home and unashamedly biased, Jude Bellingham inspired England to victory over Croatia. That was a statement performance. At only 22, with 49 caps, he could become the most capped player ever. Bellingham is in a "sweet spot" of form, his performance marauding, dominant, and exciting. Having covered England for over 25 years, he ranks among the best three I've seen. He can be the best, without doubt.
Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney are probably the best, with Ashley Cole not far behind. But Bellingham is already in that company. David Beckham, Frank Lampard, and Steven Gerrard were brilliant, but we are talking about a special talent who can guide England to glory. I've been sceptical about England's chances, and the first half defensively was a concern. But in midfield and attack, England are as good as anyone, and in Bellingham, they have a world beater.
Biggest Disappointment: 48-Team Format
The new 48-team format is my biggest disappointment. I love the World Cup for its different teams, stories, and adventures. But adding 16 teams was never going to be easy. It loses jeopardy, with third-place finishes leading to tricky mathematical equations. That's not good for entertainment. More importantly, we've witnessed a huge drop in quality. Spain's draw with Cape Verde and Portugal being held by DR Congo are possible upsets, but Canada smashing six past Qatar or Germany's 7-1 win over Curacao lower the level and reduce spectacle. It also adds a week to an already exhausting schedule.
Biggest Surprise: Brazil
Brazil surprised me. They drew with Morocco, but Carlo Ancelotti figured it out and they came back to draw 1-1. I didn't have Brazil in my list of potential winners, but now I do. They have an issue up front with Igor Thiago as the surprise No.9, but he scored goals in the Premier League. Their lineup includes Marquinhos, Gabriel, Alisson Becker, Bruno Guimaraes, Raphinha, and Vinicius Junior. With Ancelotti in charge, Brazil have a genuine chance. Watch out England… Brazil could lie in wait in the quarter finals.
