Precision during set-pieces key to England’s success
Age: 28 |
Club: Manchester City
Walker has grown into his role as the right-sided centre-back keeping things tight. With his speed, he has been a livewire on the field covering 38.9 km in four matches. Age: 32 |
Club: Manchester City
The City skipper has played a stellar role in Belgium’s dream run. Despite having fitness issues at the start and missing two matches, he has managed to exert plenty of influence at the back for Red Devils. Age: 27 |
Club: Manchester City
Although he has just one goal and an assist to his name so far, De Bruyne has been at the heart of Belgium’s creative spark in the midfield, gelling well with the likes of Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku. Age: 32|
Club: Real Madrid
Modric’s work rate has been exemplary, besides orchestrating his side’s free-flowing football. From building up play from deep inside his half to taking the attack to the other end,
Modric has played a key role for Croatia so far. Age: 19 |
Club: Paris-saint Germain
The speedy teenager single-handedly ripped apart the Argentine defence, scoring two and earning a penalty to carry France into the quarter-finals. He had also netted the game’s only goal against Peru in the group stage. Age: 24 |
Club: Everton
If not for his reflexes under the bar, England would have been silenced long back. Against Colombia, he kept out Carlos Bacca’s penalty in the shoot-out and then pulled off terrific saves against Sweden in the quarters. Age: 25 |
Club: Real Madrid
Varane was exceptional in France’s win over Uruguay in the quarters, scoring the opening goal and marshalling the backline with élan. He has performed at his optimum — covering a total of 45 km in five matches. Age: 27 |
Club: Chelsea
One of the world’s best defensive holding midfielders, Kante’s presence in front of the backline has not only helped disturb the opposition’s build-up but it has also allowed Paul Pogba take a more attacking position. Age: 30 |
Club: Barcelona
His calm attitude while taking the decisive penalties against Denmark and Russia is an exact reflection of his style. Despite switching roles between a holding midfielder and an attacking one, he has always contributed. Age: 27 |
Club: Chelsea
He has been the most influential player for the Red Devils so far. He has netted twice and provided two assists. He also played a key role in their comeback against Japan. That alone should earn him a place in this line-up. Age: 24 |
Club: Tottenham Hotspur
Despite an injury scare threatening his prospects, the England captain recovered and has led his young team by example. Calm and composed, Kane is also leading the race for the Golden Boot with six goals.