France's devastating double act leave just one question

Liberte, Egalite, Mbappe. Or maybe it was Liberte, Egalite, Olise. France delivered another mission statement of a performance, another wonderful endorsement of their footballing philosophy taking them closer to a return to New York for a third consecutive World Cup final.

Sweden were brushed aside 3-0 to set up a last-16 clash against a Paraguay side who must be feeling that facing the blue tidal wave is scant reward for handing Germany their first-ever penalty shootout loss. As Richard Jolly writes, Les Bleus are making history and making memories.

The scorer par excellence (Kylian Mbappe) and the creator nonpareil (Michael Olise) brought their artistry to the evisceration of Sweden. One day, perhaps, Graham Potter and his team may be able to cushion their disappointment with the knowledge they witnessed something special from the best seats in the house. France are head and shoulders above every other team at this World Cup right now, playing like an elite club side and there is only one question remaining. Who can stop them? Answers on a postcard.

What England wouldn't give to be playing somewhere near the level of Les Bleus right now. They arguably briefly reached similar-ish heights during that scintillating 15-minute spell against Croatia but it has largely been laboured aside from that. 

As they prepare to try and dodge the DR Congo-shaped banana skin in the last 32 later this afternoon, Miguel Delaney has examined the unique rise of Jude Bellingham – the most un-English of England superstars. 

With parallels to Michael Jordan and an approach more recognisable in American athletes, Bellingham is carving his own path as a Black football superstar and England must learn to adapt. It's a fascinating look at the racial, social and political factors in the narratives that swirl around the 23-year-old as he looks to end the Three Lions' long wait for a trophy.

Elsewhere, Erling Haaland helped Norway make more history with a late winner to best Ivory Coast 2-1 and seal a last-16 spot and the fallout from Netherlands' disappointing defeat to Morocco continued when Ronald Koeman quit as Dutch coach. 

Finally, as co-hosts USA face a last-32 clash against Bosnia, Kieran Jackson has dug into the football boom engulfing the nation and asked whether they're ready to go where they've never gone before.

Luke Baker | Deputy Sports Editor

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