World Cup 2018: Best combined XI from the Quarter-finals

Belgium put on a show at the Kazan Arena to beat Brazil
Belgium put on a show at the Kazan Arena to beat Brazil

RB - Kieran Trippier (England)

Trippier has been thoroughly consistent for England so far
Trippier has been thoroughly consistent for England so far

The Tottenham Hotspur wing-back has been one of the breakout stars of the tournament so far and continued his consistent run of form against Sweden in the third quarter-final at the Samara Arena. Kieran Trippier was a constant attacking outlet on the right flank for England and pushed forward whenever he sensed an opportunity, occupying deeper positions inside the opponents' half as the Three Lions started exerting control over the Swedes.

He deserves a lot of credit for keeping up with his defensive duties as well after the player unceremoniously took the sting out of Emil Forsberg, who struggled to keep up with Trippier on the night.

CB: Harry Maguire (England)

Harry Maguire was yet another influential figure in England's 2-0 win over Sweden and he marked the occasion by grabbing his first ever goal in national team colours after he opened the scoring for Gareth Southgate's men. The defender was almost unbeatable in the air and never looked like losing an aerial duel on the night.

The 25-year-old's ball-playing abilities from the back are renowned and he did well to keep up with that reputation by showing excellent command with the ball at his feet.

CB: Raphael Varane (France)

Varane redeemed himself after the disappointment four years ago
Varane redeemed himself after the disappointment four years ago

Perhaps the best story to have emerged after the quarter-final clash between France and Uruguay was all about one man, a man who redeemed himself with a goal at the same stage in which he cracked four years ago in Brazil against the champions-elect in Germany. Raphael Varane was at fault for Mats Hummels' header that knocked Les Bleus out of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, fast forward to 2018 and the defender emerged as an unlikely hero for his side in their quarter-final win over Uruguay.

Football can be such a leveller sometimes and these are the stories that we live for!

LB: Lucas Hernandez (France)

The Frenchman has been a defining presence at the back for Didier Deschamps' side over the course of this tournament and was yet again consistent in his performance against Uruguay. The full-back was solid at the back and rarely allowed the likes of Nahitan Nandez and Martin Caceres to over-power him on the flanks while also contributing in attack whenever possible.

Nacer Chadli was a close shout for the same spot in this XI but we've decide to go with Hernandez since this is his natural position.

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