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

CM: Marouane Fellaini (Belgium)

Fellaini showcased a masterclass in midfield for the Red Devils

Roberto Martinez decided to partner Marouane Fellaini alongside Axel Witsel in the middle of the park for Belgium and the gamble paid off handsomely for the Red Devils who swept aside their counterparts on the night, on the back of strong performances from their midfielders. Fellaini was a commanding presence in midfield and bullied the living daylight out of the likes of Fernandinho and Paulinho for the majority of the game.

The midfielder was precise with his breaking up of play and made a number of tackles and interceptions that helped Belgium overcome their biggest challenge yet in convincing fashion.

CM: Jordan Henderson (England)

The midfielder has been a stalwart for England throughout the tournament and with every passing game, he looks more and more flawless down the middle of the park. Against Sweden, Jordan Henderson was at his influential best and covered a lot of ground while perpetually looking up for the killer pass that is well vested in him.

Henderson is yet to taste defeat in the last 30 competitive internationals he has started for the Three Lions and he still has a huge role to play for England in the tournament.

CM: Paul Pogba (France)

Paul Pogba came into his own in the quarter-final tie against Uruguay and is certainly enjoying the freedom that he deservedly gets while playing alongside N'Golo Kante in midfield for Les Bleus.

The midfielder's tenacious nature helped France control proceedings in the middle of the park, to a certain extent, against Uruguay's Lucas Torreira, Rodrigo Bentancur and Matias Vecino who are now renowned for their enthusiasm to fight tooth and nail for the shirt.