In a move sure to ignite debate among football enthusiasts, talkSPORT co-host Darren Bent has unveiled his keenly anticipated World Cup Team of the Tournament, ahead of Sunday's final. Notably absent from his star-studded XI are England's prolific duo, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, despite their significant contributions to the Three Lions' campaign.
Between them, Bellingham and Kane have accounted for 12 of England's 14 goals at the tournament, yet Bent opted for alternative Premier League talents. His selections see a heavy Spanish influence, with no less than five players from the European champions making the cut, though Bent conceded an argument could be made for Bellingham's inclusion.
The biggest surprise arguably comes between the sticks, where Cape Verde's Vozinha has been chosen over Spain's Unai Simon, who has conceded just a solitary goal in seven matches. Bent defended his decision to Andy Goldstein on Drive, stating, "In goal, now Unai Simon, who is the Spain goalkeeper, I was going to put him in. He’s conceded one goal." Vozinha, a 40-year-old stopper, notably kept clean sheets against both Spain and Saudi Arabia during the group stage, helping Cape Verde reach the last 32, and his heroics have seen his Instagram follower count skyrocket to 29.3 million. Bent added, "I think sometimes you’ve got to mix it up. I think Vozinha from Cape Verde deserves a lot, he’s been brilliant." He further explained, "The reason why I put Vozinha in is because Unai Simon is playing behind the stingiest back four at the tournament. They just don’t give up chances. Whereas Vozinha, when Cape Verde came into this tournament, everyone thought they were going to be the whipping boys. So I’ve gone Vozinha in goal."
Spain's defensive dominance is fully recognised, with Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur) anchoring the right-back slot. Porro, who scored Spain's second goal and earned a man-of-the-match display in their semi-final victory over France, deeply impressed Bent. "Someone who’s put in a performance in this tournament that I didn’t think had it in them, Pedro Porro," Bent remarked, praising his outstanding displays and comfort in possession. The central defensive partnership is formed by Spain's Aymeric Laporte and teenager Pau Cubarsi, with Bent hailing Cubarsi as "unbelievable" for Barcelona last season. Their formidable backline has contributed to Spain's six clean sheets in seven matches, with only Belgium breaching their defence this summer. Marc Cucurella, a new Real Madrid signing following a pre-tournament £47.5 million return from Chelsea, completes the all-Spanish back four at left-back, described by Bent as "absolutely incredible" for his country in North America.
The midfield features Spain captain Rodri, a two-time Ballon d'Or winner, who has been "back to his best" following injury-hit seasons. Rodri delivered dominant performances, including player of the match against Portugal in the last 16 and France in the semi-finals. Partnering him is Argentina's Enzo Fernandez, who, despite Bent admitting it was a "tough one" and a potential surprise for Chelsea fans, edged out Bellingham. Fernandez scored his side's equaliser against England in the last four, marking his second goal in six appearances this summer, with Bent commending his "energy, the high press, making things happen."
The attacking trident is equally formidable. France's Michael Olise takes the right-wing spot, having provided six assists in seven matches. Bent vehemently defended Olise against criticism for "one bad game against Spain," asserting, "This is the team of the tournament, not the team of the one game." Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, occupies the No.10 role, leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals and four assists in seven matches, alongside 25 chances created and eight big chances created. Bent called him, "the best player on the planet still." Completing the attack is France captain Kylian Mbappe, also with eight goals, trailing Messi only on assists. Despite facing "a lot of flak" after their defeat to Spain, Bent defended Mbappe, calling the criticism "unjustified" and stating he had been "frightening" until the semi-final.
Meanwhile, Harry Kane finds himself excluded from this elite selection, with Norway striker Erling H