No team is really playing that well, which leaves it wide open. Messi is dragging a very average looking Argentina along with him, Netherlands haven't really impressed me at all, and Brazil haven't exactly pulled up any trees. Spain probably look the best, but who knows how their youngsters will fare in more competitive knock out games. France obviously have Mbappe, probably the best player in the World at the moment, but England, assuming they get past Senegal, arguably have the best equipped right back to cope with him, and they have weaknesses in other areas of the team.
People write off England, but they are one of only three teams to win the groups unbeaten. People say it was an easy group, but it was actually the only group where all four teams are ranked in FIFA's top 20. The big worry at the start was their defence, but Maguire seems to have some confidence back, Stones has always been top class, there are three strong right backs and a decent left back. Southgate has to try and find a way of getting the best out of Foden, and that has to be to take the leash off him like Pep does at Man City, let him play where he wants when he wants. The last game he played Henderson furthest forward of the midfield three, that might be OK against Wales but it won't be against France and he has arguably the most in form attacking midfielder in the country sat on the bench in Maddison, plus Mount and Grealish. Henderson has been a good servant, but with the emergence of Bellingham and Phillips, I can't help thinking he is being picked on sentimentality, plus his leadership skills.
In terms of refereeing, you have to fear for the European officials as if the last 16 games go to form / rankings 6 of the remaining 8 teams will be European. FIFA seem to be sticking with continent neutrality in the knockout rounds, only Marciniak and Turpin have had last 16 games so far, and only Portugal vs Switzerland remains as a suitable game for a UEFA referee. Danny Makkelie might be out of the running depending on how the committee viewed the Messi penalty award, plus Netherlands already in the quarters. Depending on country progress, Lahoz, Oliver, Taylor and Turpin could all be ruled out, Kovacs has only been used as a 4th official, and Frappart doesn't have a team out there with her so I doubt she will go any further. That only leaves Marciniak, Orsato, Siebert and Vincic, and I suspect Orsato will get the final.
