ALTERNATIVE WORLD CUP AWARDS! John Cross picks his best player and match of the tournament and calls out FIFA bosses for big mistake

After 39 days and 104 matches taking place across three countries, Spain are champions of the

world

.

The European champions added a second World Cup to their collection after deservedly beating a dismal Argentina after extra time in the final on Sunday night. Ferran Torres scored the only goal, before Argentina's bitter stars took it upon themselves to act out against their celebrating opponents.

It was a sour note to end an historic World Cup, bumped up to 48 teams for the first time. That meant extra matches, changes to the group stage and ultimately, extra drama.

For England, it was much of the same. Hope, excitement, before more heartbreak and regrets following their collapse against Argentina in the semis.

Donald Trump

was on hand to dish out the awards on the pitch last night, but

The Mirror's Chief

Football

Writer John Cross

looks back on the tournament and picks his own winners and names his World Cup XI...

Jude Bellingham

It would be easy to say

Lionel Messi

or Rodri. But this is my choice as my player of the tournament and therefore it has to be

For him to score seven goals in a single tournament - the most by an English player - is an achievement in itself. But his performance levels were so good that I think he would walk into any team in the World Cup finals.

He led England to their best ever World Cup finish on foreign soil - and that is what gets him my vote.

View 4 Images

Mexico vs England

It was a fabulous occasion. The atmosphere was brilliant - the stadium literally rocked - and the noise was as loud as I’ve ever experienced.

England were heroic, it was tense, nervous - and brilliant.

I will never forget it. I was bouncing and buzzing for days afterwards. I never forget how lucky I am to cover World Cups (it’s the pinnacle) and that was the best thing I’ve ever done. Amazing.

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The FA

are unsure on this one because of the extra capacity and schedules etc. There would be no extra games for the teams - but a hell of a lot more in the fixture calendar.

We would get back the two qualifying from each Group and the sense of jeopardy we missed this time. I hate the three qualify from some Groups but not others policy. It kills the excitement in the Group stage.

No. I don’t like it. On a few levels. As someone who cares passionately about our world and the environment, flying across three countries is killing the planet. One idiot even drove across the United States. For what? Bonkers. I never made a single car journey on my own. Not one.

Also, it gave Mexico a huge advantage (as much as I loved Mexico City) because of the altitude. And the travel and costs for fans was extortionate.

Respect the bloody planet!

Mexico v England.

I’m a passionate England fan. That night will live with me forever. The best game I covered. An epic five-goal thriller. An incredible occasion.

I loved Mexico City (it was my first time in Mexico) and the people were so friendly, so welcoming and the absolute opposite of every security briefing I had. Security tags, watch yourself, it’s a hot-spot.

Beautiful country, great result, beautiful people. Unforgettable.

Do you agree with our award winners? Let us know in the comments

Vozinha (Cape Verde)

Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) Pau Cubarsi (Spain) Cristian Romero (Argentina) Djed Spence (England)

Rodri (Spain) Fabian Ruiz (Spain)

Ousmane Dembele (France) Jude Bellingham (England) Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Kylian Mbappe (France)

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