World Cup 2026: Cape Verde continue remarkable story; Messi, Mbappé and Haaland return – live

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France, I think, have the most routes to winning games – their battery of attackers might be the most ridiculous we’ve ever seen – but Spain remain the hardest to beat, their control of possession and space meaning opponents need to make a lot out of a little. Their defence is far from impregnable but, though it’s not as hard to get at as when a midfield of xabi Alonso, Sergio Busquets, Xavi and Andrès Iniesta were in front, Rodri, Pedri and Dani Olmo isn’t bad.

Spain are an entirely different proposition with Lamine Yamal, aren’t they? Apologies if that sounds unacceptably basic, it is, but sometimes, basic is what we need. He gives them width, edge, pace, invention – and his teammates the confidence they have him so anything is possible.