World Cup team of the tournament so far as two England stars make the cut

 There is no time to catch your breath, the knockout stages will soon be in full flow, but there has already been some sensational football at this World Cup, produced by sensational players.

Here’s my Best Eleven from the group phase and, sorry, it has to be a loose 4-4-2 formation because I’m getting Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland in.

Goalkeeper

Vozinha - Cape Verde

Not just the number one keeper for the tournament’s all-star team so far, but the number one for individual achievement.

The 40-year-old made seven saves against Spain in Cape Verde ’s opening match and produced another clean sheet against Saudi Arabia.

To give him his full name, Josimar ‘Vozinha’ Dias has been central to one of THE feelgood narratives, which will continue when he comes up against Lionel Messi and co.

Defenders

Denzel Dumfries - Netherlands

Has not been foot-perfect but the right-back, whose move to Real Madrid will be confirmed on July 1, has been a key player in a very encouraging Netherlands group campaign. He has always been under-rated but looks to be coming into prime form at the right time.

Pau Cubarsi - Spain

Their defenders are so often overlooked but they are key to the way Spanish play. There was a temptation to read too much into the opening draw with Cape Verde but that was the first of three clean sheets in the group stages. It is true their attacking unit has not clicked yet but they have been pretty flawless at the back and Barcelona ’s Cubarsi - quickly establishing himself as one of the world ’s best central defenders - has a lot to do with that.

Marc Guehi - England

Was surprisingly left out of England’s opening game against Croatia but was quickly recalled and has been rock-solid for Thomas Tuchel in the games against Ghana and Croatia. Bigger tests will lie ahead for the Manchester City centre-half but he will surely stay in the team and be key to England’s performance against DR Congo and their progress in the rest of the tournament.

Keito Nakamura - Japan

Japan have impressed with their dynamism and adventure, even though they are missing a couple of key players and Nakamura - who plies his trade in the French second division for Reims - has been typical of their vibrant approach. Nominally a left-back, he is predominantly attack-minded and scored Japan’s opening goal of the tournament, against the Netherlands.

Midfielders

Pedro Vite - Ecuador

One of the games of the first phase was Ecuador ’s dramatic win over Germany which earned them a spot in the round of 32. Ecuador have won admirers for their bullish, exuberant, full-blooded approach to the tournament and central midfielder Pedro Vite is an emblem of that approach. Hard-working but creative, his passion and technique was key to Ecuador’s progress.

Ayyoub Bouaddi - Morocco

He was one of the most talked-about teenagers coming into the tournament and the 18-year-old has delivered in style, his performances against Brazil and Scotland showing a maturity way beyond his years. He only declared for Morocco a month or so ahead of the World Cup - he could have played for France - and he will be one of the most sought-after players in club football this summer.

Jude Bellingham - England

A spot of English bias, for sure, but Bellingham is reminding everyone what he is all about. Aggressive - sometimes too aggressive - and physical, he makes his mark on midfield battles from the very first whistle. England fans say Harry Kane needs to perform for England to succeed but Bellingham is equally important.