World Cup 2018 - LIVE: Latest news and reaction from France vs Argentina

The 2018 World Cup is well underway in Russia.

It's day 17 and the start of the last-16. First up it's Lionel Messi's Argentina against Kylian Mbappe's France in what should be a thriller before Cristiano Ronaldo returns to the stage as Portugal take on Luis Suarez's Uruguay. We'll have all the build-up to both.

We'll also have all the latest from Repino where Gareth Southgate's England are recovering and beginning their preparations for their own last-16 game against Colombia in Moscow on Tuesday night.

We will have all the latest news, views, pictures and video direct from Russia throughout the day as we pick up the pace at the biggest football tournament in the world.

And undeniably, one of the biggest talking points of this 2018 World Cup has been the introduction of VAR which has given the referees a second chance to look at potential errors. 

Up to this point, it seems to have got the majority of calls correct but there's certainly been a few controversial moments. 

Our very own Jonathan Liew has penned a marvellous article detailing what we ought to expect from this system in the future. 

With the last 16 getting underway this afternoon we'll be looking ahead to some of this week's ties including today's matches between France and Argentina as well as Uruguay and Portugal but first, Sunday's clash between Russia and Spain has a whole host of political history. 

Miguel Delaney has condensed it here for you all to enjoy: 

Are you guys excited for the last 16 showdowns? 

There's some juicy looking ties in there, none more so than today's which sees plenty of World Cup frontrunners face-off. 

Miguel Delaney has had a closer look at all the runners and riders for the rest of the tournament, analysing whether it's the turn of the underdog here in Russia: 

But, let's turn our attention to today's first clash which sees France take on Argentina. 

Neither of these sides had a stellar group stage, particularly Argentina who scraped through by the skin of their teeth with mere minutes left to play in the all important clash against Nigeria. 

Surprisingly, it was Marcos Rojo who proved to be their hero but they will undoubtedly have to improve if they want to go further. 

Today they face a France side who were steady but not spectacular, comfortably finishing top, but offering very little in their three group games, certainly nothing to worry the best teams in the tournament. 

But, both sides have copious amounts of individual talent and whichever can get that collective cog turning fastest will probably end up winning this afternoon. 

Here's Ed Malyon's analysis of Argentina and the problem with the man leading them (or trying to) on the sideline. 

I must divulge from the football momentarily.. 

Isn't this what football and the World Cup is all about? Bringing people together in unexpected scenarios. 

Good all round this. 

Only two and a half hours until the first game of the last 16 gets underway but before we bring you more on today's games, we'll take a fleeting look at England who will face Colombia on Tuesday evening as a result of their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Belgium. 

Much has been made of the loss, including Gareth Southgate's decision to rest almost all of the first XI ahead of the knockout stages. 

But, today, all the main faces are back in training apart from two: Ruben Loftus Cheek and Fabian Delph, the latter of whom has flown back home to attend the birth of his third baby. 

For more ahead of England's clash:

And for those of who consider themselves 'It's coming home' conspiracy theorists, feast your eyes on this!

Just another bone to throw at all those doubters and non-believers. 

So we've given you the preview for the 3pm kick off today, but what about this evening's clash where Cristiano Ronaldo will be taking centre stage. 

And he'll be up against some La Liga rivals in the shape of Barcelona's Luis Suarez and Atletico Madrid's Diego Godin. 

Like most of the big teams in this competition, neither Uruguay or Portugal have really shone, but, the South Americans are yet to concede and are the only team with that record. 

Meanwhile, Portugal started with an impressive 3-3 draw against Spain where Ronaldo really stole this show but following that, they more or less edged their way to this point with a narrow victory over Morocco and a draw with Iran. 

I'm certainly not expecting a beautiful game of football, that's for sure but here's a preview of it: 

Frank De Boer is back with his latest piece, all about the decisions Gareth Southgate and Roberto Martinez made... 

and it appears he's in the camp thinking they did the right thing. 

What do you make of the whole situation?