Boyd's Own Sports Page Bulletin

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THE WORLD CUP

Before the tournament began, there was a small but vociferous coterie of pundits who confidently informed us that England would flatter to deceive, Scotland would be lucky to score, the manager had picked the wrong squad, the full-backs were inadequate, the midfield was unbalanced, the goalkeeper was suspect, and the entire enterprise was another exercise in national self-delusion. Two matches later, that original unhappy band of brothers had doubled in size and had all reached precisely the same conclusions, although now they had considerably more evidence to justify them.

England, viewed dispassionately, has probably done about what one might have expected. A convincing opening victory, albeit after an uninspiring first half, over Croatia reminded everyone that Thomas Tuchel inherited rather more talent than some of the national soul-searching had suggested. The subsequent goalless draw with Ghana immediately prompted familiar cries that England had become cautious, unimaginative and incapable of beating serious opposition. It was almost reassuring. England can produce one of the better performances of the tournament on Tuesday, and by Thursday, the nation has rediscovered its traditional conviction that everything is going horribly wrong.

The truth, as ever, lies somewhere between the triumphalism and the despair. England looks organised. They remain physically imposing, possess genuine match-winners in Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane, and appear considerably more comfortable without the ball than some previous England sides. They are not irresistible, but they rarely look vulnerable for long periods either. That is not a bad foundation upon which to build a tournament.

Scotland presents a rather different picture.