The 2018 FIFA World Cup has come to an end after a very entertaining final, where France emerged victorious. The tournament highlighted the talent across the teams and many youngsters were able to make their mark on the international stage, whilst other restated their class. Here is the 2018 FIFA World Cup Team of the Tournament.
2018 FIFA World Cup Team of the Tournament
Goalkeeper – Jordan Pickford – England
Jordan Pickford was a hero on multiple occasions this tournament. His most notable contribution was his penalty save in England’s historic win over Colombia in the Round of sixteen.
Pickford picked up two Man of the Match performances and often kept England in the game. His desire and determination to get behind the ball was admired by pundits from across the globe.
Many were angered by the fact Pickford didn’t claim the Golden Glove. The Everton keeper has gained the attention of many top clubs in England and there is no doubt the future is bright for the 24-year-old.
Right-back – Kieran Trippier – England
Spurs full-back Kieran Trippier was another standout performer in England’s success in Russia. Trippier adopted the right wing-back role very well and his crosses into the box from set pieces were successful on multiple occasions.
The right-back also scored a crucial free kick for England in their semi-final tie against Croatia, however, it wasn’t quite enough to see the Three Lions through to the final. His work rates and willingness to get forward were the key to England’s success this year.
Centre-back – Raphaël Varane – France
Raphaël Varane is now a World Cup winner, and the centre-back played a pivotal role in France’s triumph. The Frenchmen effectively led and marshalled the defence to great success.
He also earned himself a goal in their 2-0 victory over Uruguay in the quarter-final. Varane was able to deal with aerial threats from the opposition as well as put in some goal-saving tackles when his side needed him most.
Centre-back – Harry Maguire – England
Leicester City’s player of the year Harry Maguire continued his great run of form from the league into this year’s World Cup. Although this was Maguire’s first ever major international competition, he looked a leader at the back and continued fighting till the very end.
Maguire was outstanding in all of England’s victories and is a key reason for their defensive success.
Left-back – Lucas Hernandez – France
Lucas Hernandez was originally set to be a squad player for France, however, his impressive qualification campaign earned him a starting spot in Didier Deschamps’ side.
Hernandez’s versatility came through in this tournament, as he provided support for both the defence and the attack. A very mature display from twenty-two-year-old this summer.
Centre-midfield – Luka Modric – Croatia
Golden ball winner Luka Modric restated his talent for the world to see. The Croatian midfielder was at the heart of his nation’s success.
Modric effectively controlled the tempo of the game and played some intricate passes into his strikers. The Real Madrid star has been performing at this level for years, and after this tournament, he can be in contention for the world’s best player.
Modric was unlucky not to have the fairytale ending of lifting the World Cup, but his performance definitely did his nation proud.
Centre-midfield – N’Golo Kante – France
N’Golo Kante is often the unsung hero of his team and doesn’t always gets the credit he deserves. This World Cup was no exception for it.
The Chelsea midfielder was dominant in every game leading up to the final, but an underwhelming 50-minute spell saw his World Cup final cut short.
Neverthless, Kante was perisistent in all the other games and his work ethic and ability to cut out the play in the midfield is one to be marvelled at.
Centre-midfield – Kevin De Bruyne – Belgium
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne helped Belgium to their best ever finish in World Cup history.
De Bruyne was at the heart of the Belgium midfield and his ball playing abilities and long-range passes were world-class all throughout the tournament.
The Belgian was an attacking threat and caused chaos to all defences.
Right-wing – Kylian Mbappe – France
Teen sensation Kylian Mbappe has been the talk of the tournament. The 19-year-old scored four goals in France’s campaign, including a historic goal in the final.
The youngster used his pace and clinical finishing in front of goal to trouble some of the world’s best defenders. Mbappe was awarded the Young Player of the Tournament awar, and was unclucky not to claim the golden ball.
Left-wing – Eden Hazard – Belgium
Four Man of the Match awards, three goals, and two assists earned Eden Hazard a spot in the Team of the Tournament.
The Belgian winger was able to emulate some of his excellent performances for Chelsea. His speed and trickery proved very valuable when the Belgians were looking to break down defences.
Hazard was a leader and an excellent sportsman throughout the tournament.
Striker – Romelu Lukaku – Belgium
Belgium’s number nine, Romelu Lukaku, scored four goals this summer in what has been an excellent tournament for the Manchester United forward.
Lukaku’s movement off the ball was phenomenal and his finishing in front of goal was clinical.
His ability to use his strength to get in front of defenders and retain possession has earned him a spot in the team of the tournament.
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