Messi makes history as England prepare for knockout test

Lionel Messi came off the bench to become the first player in World Cup history to score in seven consecutive matches, as Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 in their final Group J game. The 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar ‘Vozinha’ Dias, who made seven saves against Spain and kept another clean sheet against Saudi Arabia, now faces Messi in the round of 32. Meanwhile, England have turned their attention to knockout football after beating Panama, with Thomas Tuchel delivering a new message to his squad. John Stones, recalled after being left out of the opening game against Croatia, has been rock-solid for Tuchel in subsequent matches against Ghana and Croatia, helping England earn back-to-back clean sheets. The Manchester City centre-half is expected to be key for England’s performance against DR Congo and their progress in the tournament. Elsewhere, Japan’s left-back Nakamura, who scored their opening goal against the Netherlands, and Ecuador’s midfielder Pedro Vite have been among the standout performers in the group phase. The round of 32 gets underway in Los Angeles with South Africa facing Canada.