The best I’ve seen in Qatar? It’s England

NOW we’ve seen every nation in action at least once, I’d say England are the best team I’ve watched at this World Cup so far.

I stand by my immediate post-match reaction: They may have beaten Iran 6-2 (Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount, above) but, on the day, Iran were shocking. Yet, in terms of organisation and clinical execution, Gareth Southgate’s opening statement was the blueprint for everyone else to follow.

Of course, a World Cup is about where you finish, not how you start.

But, in tournament football, it’s never too early to show you mean business.

Where England were ruthless, Spain were outstanding, Brazil were promising, and France looked very impressive.

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