France's blistering attack is leaving the rest of the world in their wake – or so some pundits are reckoning. The notion that Les Bleus are all but guaranteed to lift the World Cup trophy has sparked a heated debate, with some even suggesting the tournament should be curtailed early to avoid any further disappointment for other teams.
The 'Geopolitics World Cup' has been under intense scrutiny, criticised for its relentless schedule and punishing demands on players. Fatigue is starting to take its toll, with calls growing louder for an end to what many see as a drawn-out affair. Hand the trophy to France, some argue – they're good enough to claim it now – and spare the rest of the world's teams from 'needless heartache'.
Kylian Mbappé is having the time of his life, revelling in the tournament's drama. His partnership with Crystal Palace's Michael Olise has proven a nightmare for opponents, as evidenced by their recent clash against Sweden – although Olise's stunning overhead kick did come agonisingly close to finding the net.
Critics claim that the current format is flawed, allowing teams to focus on defensive tactics and nullify France's attacking prowess. But even a points-based system would likely see Les Bleus emerge victorious, given their impressive displays against Senegal, Iraq, Norway, and Sweden. For now, it seems the rest of the world is simply competing for second place.
England fans, meanwhile, will be bracing themselves for a reality check. Unless significant defensive reinforcements are brought in – think Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa retraining as a bricklayer to construct an impenetrable wall – their chances against Didier Deschamps's all-conquering side look slim indeed. France's depth and individual brilliance, courtesy of players like Ousmane Dembélé, Adrien Rabiot, and Bradley Barcola, are simply too much for any rival to handle.
The debate rages on – but one thing is certain: France are the team to beat at this World Cup. Can anyone stop them? The clock is ticking...