World Cup 2018: Strongest European XI

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe

Cristiano Ronaldo will be gunning for World Cup glory after Euro triumph

When you have the kind of attacking riches that Europe offers, you understand what a selection headache feels like. Yet, no matter how tedious the job is, selecting Cristiano Ronaldo is a no-brainer, isn't it?

The Portuguese skipper is a Titan, capable of leading any team to victory with his eagle-eyed finishing. Ronaldo transitioned into a proper striker under Zinedine Zidane this season. However, CR7 destroyed teams when playing as a left forward by making inside runs and arriving right in front of the goal to score in the past. His inclusion is also the reason why Belgian playmaker Eden Hazard failed to book a berth in this starting XI.

Speaking of his exploits with Los Blancos this season, none of us in our wildest dreams would have imagined he would finish with 44 goals (excluding friendlies), just 1 behind Lionel Messi, after such a disappointing start to the season.

For Portugal, he'll be the beacon of hope that carries them through the toughest challenges as they look to repeat the heroics of Euro 2016 in Russia.

Harry Kane is arguably the best no.9 in the world

Acting as the spearhead of this lineup is Tottenham hitman Harry Kane. The English forward is a pure striker with a keen eye for a goal, a fact that he has been justifying for the past 3 seasons.

Harry Kane finished behind Mo Salah in the race for the Golden Boot. He finished season 2017/18 with an impressive 43-goal haul in all competitions.

The English sharp-shooter offers less versatility in comparison to Antoine Griezmann since he can play only as a center forward. But his ability to deliver in front of goal and aerial threat are the reasons why he has made it to the starting XI ahead of the Atleti forward.

Harry Kane will be one of the players to watch out for as England bid to lift their second World Cup.

Kylian Mbappe will be a player to watch in the World Cup

Frenchman Kylian Mbappe has revelled at Paris Saint-Germain following his exit from Monaco. The 19-year-old is already one of the hottest properties in Europe right now and will be one of the players under the spotlight in the upcoming World Cup.

The position for the right winger was the toughest one to fill, considering Mbappe's battle with Englishman Raheem Sterling. The Man City forward has notched a better assist and goal tally in comparison to the Les Parisiens attacker, but there are a few striking stats we need to consider before choosing either of the two for the right-wing role.

Mbappe is a better dribbler, averaging 2.9 dribbles per game in comparison to Sterling's 1.9 dribbles per game. The Frenchman also betters the English forward in terms of key passes per game, notching an average of 1.9 key passes per game in contrast to Sterling's 1.7. Mbappe's contribution in the build-up to attacks is a major reason behind his selection in this lineup.

When you have towering forwards like Kane and Ronaldo in your lineup, it would be a sin to not exploit their aerial prowess, which is why the Frenchman gets the nod ahead of the City forward. Also, the teenager provides 0.4 crosses per game in contrast to Sterling's 0.2. He also delivers long balls at a better rate(0.3) than Sterling(0.2).

He might be a teenager, but considering the talent he possesses, it would not be a surprise to see Kylian Mbappe featuring regularly for France in the World Cup.

What do you make of this team? Was there anyone else who could have been included? Let us know in the comments.