So far the favourites have sailed through their Last 16 ties, after Netherlands and Argentina the day before, France dispatched Poland 3-1 and England coasted past Senegal 3-0.
FRANCE ON COURSE – Les Bleus could become only the third side to retain the World Cup after Italy (1934 & 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962). Indeed four of the last five champions did not get out of their group and Brazil only reached the quarter-finals in 2006 before being knocked out by France. Robert Lewandowski’s World Cup career is almost certainly over and he scored with his last kick, admittedly after he fluffed the first attempt and was reprieved and mightily relieved to be allowed a retake.
ENGLAND GOALS GALORE – After their 3-0 win over Senegal England have now racked up a dozen goals so far which is as many as their record haul in 2018. It is also the first time they have scored more than twice in three matches at a tournament. At 32 years of age Jordan Henderson became England’s second oldest scorer at a World Cup. henderson would need to play in the 2026 World Cup to match Tom Finney who was 36 when he scored a penalty against Russia in 1958.
Have a listen to the World Cup Nuggets Group round-up podcast with special guest Kate Mason right here – https://bit.ly/3us3PT7
You can pick up a copy of the World Cup Nuggets book directly from the publishers, Halcyon https://bit.ly/3eXfV2y or via Amazon https://amzn.to/3TKD1J0 – the choice is yours…
The Football Mine 