Modric, Mbappe and Hazard head up our World Cup XI

The Real Madrid star also bagged the vital opener in the quarter-finals against Uruguay, and is set to be France’s defensive lynchpin for years to come.

DF – Domagoj Vida

Croatia’s Dejan Lovren may have bagged more headlines, but it was Domagoj Vida who really shone at the heart of their defence this summer.

The Besiktas man dealt with everything that came his way in a fashion which embodied the Croatian’s fight and spirit.

RB – Benjamin Pavard

France’s Benjamin Pavard edges out England’s Kieran Trippier for the right-back spot.

The Stuttgart man was something of an unknown quantity on British shoes before the tournament, but he’ll be a recognised name now after a stunning show in Russia.

Pavard was defensively strong and was always a threat going forward, culminating in a wondrous strike in France’s 4-3 second round win over Argentina.

MF – N’Golo Kante

Of course N’Golo Kante is in the team. The Chelsea man didn’t have a particularly brilliant final, but his tireless work ethic and positional play had a huge hand in helping France get to the showpiece.

Widely agreed to be the best defensive midfielder in the game, Kante’s unique ball-winning qualities allowed countryman Paul Pogba to flourish in Russia.

MF – Luka Modric

The shining star of Croatia’s run to the final, Luka Modric produced all of his sublime qualities on the biggest stage this summer.

With unrivalled vision and passing ability, the Real Madrid man was Croatia’s beating heart. He also scored a peach against Argentina and deservedly won FIFA’s Golden Ball award.

MF – Denis Cheryshev

The host nation proved to be one of the tournament’s surprise packages, and Denis Cheryshev was a major reason why.

He started on the bench for Russia’s opening game against Saudi Arabia, but scored a wonderful brace and from then on was a focal point of the hosts’ efforts.

A threat whenever he was on the ball, Cheryshev then scored against Egypt before reaching new heights with a stunning 25-yard hit against Croatia.

FW – Ivan Perisic

Ivan Perisic loves the big stage. The Croatian scored twice in Brazil four years ago, and twice more at Euro 2016.

So it was only fitting he hit new heights with three goals in Russia. The Inter Milan winger was a thorn for defenders throughout the tournament.

He scored a brilliant instinctive goal to turn the tide against England, before giving Croatia hope in the final with a superbly taken strike against the French.

FW – Kylian Mbappe

Some still think that France’s Kylian Mbappe is a star of the future. It’s pretty clear, however, that he is of world class quality already.

The 19-year-old is already a two-time Ligue 1 champion, and on Sunday become only the second teenager to score in a World Cup Final, after a certain chap called Pele in 1958.

That strike took his tally to four in Russia. His blistering race caused all sorts of problems for opponents – especially during his two-goal brace versus Argentina, and to think how good he can become is mind-boggling.

FW – Eden Hazard

Belgium’s golden generation again came up short, but they gave it a terrific go.

And a lot of their good work was down to their talisman Eden Hazard. The Chelsea man won more one-on-ones than any other player in Russia, and seemed to revel as the tournament progressed.

Looks poised for a move to Real Madrid, and if he takes his World Cup form to La Liga, then they’re in for a treat.

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