World Cup Ratings: Where England rank among the last sides standing

With the round of 16 now over and the quarter-finalists decided, WhoScored.com run through the changes in the team ratings from the tournament thus far, ranking the sides from eight to one…

8. France (6.82)

Up one place in the overall rankings from the tournament, France’s display against Argentina might have finally highlighted this side’s potential in attack but has for now only papered the cracks over a disappointing performance in the group stage. They 4-3 victory over Messi and co. was out of keeping with les Bleus campaign beforehand, not only in the sense that they looked so dangerous going forwards but relatively open at the back, which is a trade off that Deschamps may not be able to afford against stronger opponents.

7. England (6.88)

The only team to drop places in the rankings from the eight sides remaining following their first knockout game, England did things the hard way against Colombia. There’s cause for concern in their ability to create chances from open play against decent opposition and the fact that they are the only quarter-finalists yet to keep a clean sheet also suggests that improvements are needed if football is to come home.

6. Russia (6.89)

The hosts pulled off the shock of the round by defeating Spain, albeit using ultra defensive tactics to force a penalty shootout. They climb a place in the rankings regardless and will see a quarter-final with Croatia as a chance to go another step further than the home support would have ever dreamed ahead of the tournament.

5. Sweden (6.91)

Another strong defensive showing has ensured Sweden have also climbed one place having dumped Switzerland out after an underwhelming round of 16 clash. Janne Andersson’s side kept a third clean sheet of the tournament, however, and are still creating chances, so England should be wary of a side that have frustrated some of the games biggest names in recent times.

4. Croatia (6.99)

Retaining their spot in the top four owing to an impressive group phase, Croatia were perhaps the most fortunate of the sides to progress from the last 16 and will need to improve against Russia. Denmark were probably the stronger of the two teams over 120 minutes on Sunday night but Zlatko Dalic’s side progressed via a penalty shootout and will be confident of going the distance this summer.

3. Uruguay (7.00)

It’s often not pretty as far as Uruguay are concerned but they are so efficient at both ends and can’t be written off despite being in the tougher side of the draw. A Pepe header from a corner was the first the South Americans had conceded at this World Cup and with Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani improving with every game, their meeting with France promises to be an intriguing battle.

2. Brazil (7.15)

Closing the gap at the top if not quite overthrowing the leaders, Brazil were easily the most comfortable victors in the round of 16 and the only side to win by two clear goals. Tite’s side have now kept three clean sheets in a row and for all of their attacking talent, the fact that they have faced just five shots on target highlights why the Selecao are strong favourites to lift the trophy. To do so, they’ll face their toughest test yet in the quarter-finals.

1. Belgium (7.17)

With 68 minutes on the clock Roberto Martinez’s side were facing a shock exit to Japan having fallen 2-0 down but the Spaniard’s substitutions turned the game on its head. Indeed, while the fact that they found themselves in such a position in the first place was a worry, the attitude and spirit that the Red Devils showed bodes well for a massive quarter-final. The tournaments top scorers by a distance, if any side can break Brazil’d stubborn resolve to now it’s Belgium.