I've been watching a lot of the FIFA Confederations Cup in recent days. Now normally this World Cup dress rehearsal, one year out, has something to say for itself. A chance to take the temperature of some of the leading nations before the real action begins, an opportunity for the host country to test out venues, security, overall organisation.

But this year's tournament in Russia has left me strangely cold. In fact it resembles a series of disconnected friendlies, albeit with points and ultimately a trophy at stake. Normally I get enthusiastic about any gathering of national teams so what's wrong?

Russia, as a football country, seems (admittedly watching from afar) disengaged. Empty seats are there for all to see. Brazil, Argentina and Spain are all missing. Germany are using it to try out younger players in the fringe. It just doesn't appear to matter as much as it once did. Or maybe we are all footballed out after a long season

Perhaps things will get better once we reach the semi final stage this midweek with Portugal facing Chile and Germany taking on Mexico.

I've heard that FIFA will give serious thought to making this the last Confederations Cup. They initially took it under their umbrella when the old King Fahd Cup threatened to become a mini World Cup.

There will still be a need for some sort of warm up competition to help organisers establish whether they are on the right track. But the Confed Cup may have had its day.