The logical place to start this week is the England game, and it is clear they need to improve a lot if they want to go all the way in the tournament. They’ve played well in bits and pieces, and have done what they’ve had to do so far.
Having a player like Harry Kane is crucial, because you know that he can produce a moment of magic when the team is not playing at its best level.
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As an out-and-out goalscorer, he’s one of the best players out there. The second goal in particular was absolutely fantastic, as he’s running away from goal and neither the goalkeepers nor the defenders expected a shot like that.
He's had to wrap his foot around the ball, and left the goalkeeper with no chance after firing the ball into the roof of the net.
Kane is England’s talisman, and they’ve probably got no chance of winning the World Cup without him.
It’s been clear to see the problems which England have had defensively, and it doesn’t help when you don’t have a settled back four. Thomas Tuchel would’ve wanted Reece James fit at right-back, and he’s gone with Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa as the two centre-backs, but started with John Stones alongside Konsa.
That right-back position has also been exposed, and that makes the decision not to include Trent Alexander-Arnold even harder to understand. I thought it was bonkers to bring in another centre-back in Trevoh Chalobah when Tino Livramento got injured. And no disrespect to Jarrell Quansah, but he’s nowhere near as good at right-back as Trent.
I feel that it was a mistake not to include him, but Tuchel will say he’s picked the right squad if England go all the way.
The focus is now on Mexico in what will be very difficult conditions, given the altitude. There are also plenty of threats in their team, and they blew Ecuador away in their last game.
Julian Quinones has been a very impressive player for them in this tournament, scored a fantastic goal in that game against Ecuador, and was the top scorer in the Saudi League last season.
He’s a threat down that left-hand side, while Raul Jimenez looks a threat again, and the youngster Gilberto Mora is a bright spark too.
There's a great togetherness in their team and home advantage will huge for them, especially given the passion from their fans.
I still think England can go there and beat them, without a shadow of doubt, but this will be their hardest test so far.
One team that has certainly impressed so far is France, who are absolutely cooking at the moment. Michael Olise has been the best player at the tournament in my opinion, even though Kylian Mbappe is getting all the goals.
Mbappe must love him, because Olise plays the ball to him every time. The combination between those two players is frightening. They're unquestionably the favourites to win the tournament.
There’s also plenty going on in terms of players and managers moving about in the Premier League, with Oliver Glasner about to join Nottingham Forest.
They’ve got more money and he’ll get more investment there in the squad, but it’s very harsh on Vitor Pereira.
He’s done a brilliant job there, but they’ve got a good replacement in Glasner. I thought he'd go to a bigger Premier League team or somewhere else in Europe.
I just hope he doesn’t try to pinch any Crystal Palace players! But it’s a good move for both Glasner and Forest.
Enzo Maresca’s appointment has now been confirmed at Manchester City, and I think Pep Guardiola might have had a big say in his replacement.
We all know the type of football his teams play, and the expectation will be that they can put the pressure on Arsenal next season. They’ve already brought in Elliot Anderson, and I don’t think their spending will stop there.
I’ll also be interested to see how Alvaro Arbeloa does at Fulham and he’ll have some big shoes to fill after the job Marco Silva did there. He was so close to getting them in Europe, and Arbeloa will hope to continue that fine work next season.
I have to finish by saying a few words about Tottenham, who are not messing around in the transfer market. I heard a few rumours last season which suggested they would go for it in the summer if they managed to avoid relegation.
Sandro Tonali is about to arrive for £100 million, which is a bit too much money in my opinion, while Mateus Fernandes has joined from West Ham for £85 million.
They've also strengthened the defence too, with Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Andy Robertson all arriving.
I just feel that they probably now need a centre-forward and a wide man. If they sign key players in those positions, then Tottenham could possibly push for the top four next season.
