So the World Cup has suddenly come alive with Messi scoring a hat trick, Mbappe scoring a brace, & Harland, not to be outdone, scoring two goals too

The two finalists from four years ago, France & Argentina are looking strong & impressive once again.

England begin their challenge for World Cup glory against Croatia in Dallas at 9pm tonight. Can Harry Kane match those other three icons & get on the score sheet to help to give England a win tonight?

Great win for England to start their World Cup campaign. A win against a tricky Croatia side is just what was needed. Two goals from Harry Kane, one from Bellingham & the fourth from Rashford gave England the impressive win. The win should virtually assure England's qualification to the knockout stage.

Have to agree with @Robbie a great win for England in our first and most difficult opening game.

The main concern for manager Thomas Tuchel will be the two goals conceded. Croatia exposed England's defence at times, and stronger opponents later in the tournament may punish those mistakes more severely.

As for qualification, England are certainly in a strong position after taking three points from what many would consider their toughest group-stage match. However, qualification is not assured yet; they still need to finish the job against Ghana and Panama.

If England maintain the attacking threat they showed against Croatia while tightening up defensively, they'll look like genuine contenders rather than just hopefuls.

I watched Crotia vs England, and the second half of England vs Ghana.

I thought Ghana were a buch of dirty sods, they did some neat things but I grew tired of seeing the referee who needed shoulder pads to deal with his own intimidation of taller players. I don't want this to seem harsh, he did well in his deicisons but the lack of cards played into Ghana's clinical and dirty challenges.

Their game plan was to scare players into mistakes, and if that didn't happen they would kick, push or outright slide in on them. I don't think England were good enough, and I don't think it can be used as an excuse for our own performance, but I do think it's true that Ghana should have tried to play actual football. Their fans came in good spirit, looked a great bunch but their players just wanted to kick and go on late on people.

I can't really respect that from a team, and their keeper celebrating like they had won just seemed silly.

Now we are getting to the nitty gritty of the competition. Last 32

Germany and the Netherlands out. Brazil struggled to beat Japan, Canada through to the last sixteen along with Morocco & Paraguay. Will this be the year of the minnow?

I certainly agree @Robbie this could be the year of the underdog. The world rankings are being blown apart, but i think that the standard of football has improved over the years and so called minnows have players that ply their trade in the big leagues world-wide therefore improving the team standard and stature. Coaches are becoming more wiley and concentrate on improving strengths, and therefore playing to them, typical example, the use of the low block and being patient, waiting for dead ball situations to give them the impact required. Ecuador did this to beat Germany, also Ghana tried the same against England but only got the draw. Although these methods are being utilised on a regular basis they are making the beautiful game not so beautiful, bring back the old ways of playing attractive skillful football to entertain and that is when the best team wins, also at the same time as improving an individuals game. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 👍 🤠

Japan have played some of the best attacking football, it's unfortunate that they were happy to defend against Brazil because I said to Jake that they will tire and space will open up between their CBs. Their back line was very impressive, but the midfield chased every pass and allowed themselves to be brought out of posiiton, allowing Brazil to play quicker and place the ball into the crucial areas where chances could be created.

First half Brazil was dire, much better in the second half but I do feel Japan were unlucky.

I watched the France v Sweden game. I think France on that showing are clearly the favourites to win the tournament. Some of their play around the penalty area was great to watch.

If England beat DR Congo tonight, they will have to play Mexico in Mexico City which will be a big test for England. England will need to step ups level for sure to beat Mexico on their home turf.

England have a superstar striker who got England out of Jail. Credit to D R Congo who made it very hard and they nearly pulled off a massive shock. Next for England will be Mexico. Another step up.

Never in doubt really was it? 😂

We've done what we needed to do, but it's difficult to really impress against opponents that sit deep. Germany have already shown that that can end very differently.

We haven't gelled yet and we look nervous at the back. Pickford looks panicked and I'm not sure we'll stand up to sustained pressure. But then again, maybe playing an opponent that doesn't park the bus will suit us. Bastian Schweinsteiger, who a week or two again said that we could field two teams strong enough to win the World Cup from our squad, now thinks that Mexico will beat us.

I saw Germany fail against Paraguay earlier this week (I went to bed after the disallowed goal as I was tired and knew what was going to happen). Too many luxury players (and a stubborn coach playing them all at once) and not enough leaders. Kimmich is not a captain.

I haven't seen everyone play yet, but France look a class above. But it can ask be over very quickly in tournament football, that's the beauty of it.

In Germany, not all matches are on free TV. However, those that aren't get in-depth coverage. Like this analysis of the pitch invaders last night (subtitles at the bottom):