England star Jack Grealish thinks Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have been the two standout performers of the World Cup so far but has tipped Brazil to go the distance.
So far, 24 of the 32 nations in the competition have played two group-stage games and France are the only side to take six points. Aiming to become the first nation to retain their World Cup crown since Brazil six decades ago, Les Bleus have toppled Australia and Denmark - with Mbappe netting three in the process.
The 23-year-old is well on his way to cementing his status as a France legend, with 31 international goals already Mbappe is just 20 shy of Olivier Giroud and Thierry Henry, both of whom are tied as the nation's all-time leading goal-scorer on 51 each.
Messi's Argentina actually suffered a humiliating defeat in their opening game against Saudi Arabia after being toppled 2-1 by a team that ranks outside the top 50 in the world, but turned things around to beat Mexico 2-0 and keep their tournament hopes alive.
It was the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner that broke the deadlock with a trademark moment of genius, as he rifled home from range with a sweetly-struck left-footed effort that nestled into the bottom corner and sparked pandemonium from the travelling Argentine faithful.
Grealish dubbed Messi as "unbelievable" but stood firm in his opinion that Brazil are the most likely to lift the game's most coveted trophy late next month.
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The Selecao have the chance to match France's points return from the opening two contests when they meet Switzerland on Monday afternoon after their first clash ended in a 2-0 victory against Serbia.
Pressed for comment on England's main rivals for the crown by talkSPORT: "I watch all the games to be honest. We have screens all over the place at the hotel and it's just nice to have games on all day.
"I was watching Messi [against Mexico], unbelievable. He just showed what he's about in that second half but then again so did Mbappe.
"I think there are lots of brilliant teams, some teams have that one player who's just unstoppable but I think Brazil are one of the most impressive I've seen so far. They have so much talent, especially in those attacking areas. If you're asking me who the biggest threat is, I'd probably say Brazil."
Grealish will be aiming to play a part in England's attempt to win Group B when they take on Wales on Tuesday night. Three points would do the trick, but anything less could see them leapfrogged if Iran beat the USA.
After a sensational start with a 6-2 win over Iran, the Three Lions stumbled to a 0-0 draw against the Americans and were jeered off by certain sections of the England support.
