The 2018 World Cup is developing into one of the classic tournaments and Ray Parlour believes that is down to the ‘smaller’ nations improving.

Whilst the likes of Spain, Germany, Portugal and Argentina are already on their summer holidays, Russia and Croatia are in the quarter-finals, while one of Sweden or Switzerland will join them tomorrow.

It is a scenario very few people predicted prior to the tournament and the criticism of the Spanish, German and Argentine’s performances has been excessive, but Parlour, appearing as a guest on Yahoo Sport’s daily World Cup show, says the less-established sides deserve more credit.

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“I think the smaller nations, if you can call them that – not like Brazil, Germany, Spain, I think they are getting better,” he explained.

“I think their players are getting better. I went to Iceland recently and I saw their academies, what they are doing in Iceland and it’s superb.

“All these young kids are getting better and better, and I think that is great for the nation. I think that is what is happening.

“[Big nations] have stayed there, and the smaller nations [have improved] – that is what is happening.

“It’s a little bit like the Premier League, although Manchester City were class last year, people are catching up with the bigger sides.

“Nobody expected Spain to lose to Russia, so it’s a wide open tournament. It’s been brilliant. Absolutely fantastic.”

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Parlour, like many England fans, believes the draw has opened up for the Three Lions, even if he is particularly wary of the threat Colombia will pose tomorrow night. His pre-tournament tip of Germany might not have gone to play, but labelling Croatia as potential outsiders looks a smart shout.

“England have got a great chance now, haven’t they?” he added. “Before the tournament started I said Germany but look at them, they were awful.

“Croatia were my outside bet – they’ve got an excellent chance having gone through last night

“But I think England have got every chance. Colombia is a difficult game, but the side of the draw suits them.”