World Cup 2018: Breakout stars XI 

RB: Kieran Trippier

Trippier celebrates his goal vs Croatia

England right full-back, Kieran Trippier has been brilliant for Gareth Southgate down the right flank. Both defensively and offensively, the player has proved to be a real threat notching up a number of assists and a sublime free kick goal to his name in England's semi-final defeat to Croatia.

With great delivery and service from the player to the attacking players in the team, while acting as a solid cover for the back three, the hard-working right full-back has been exceptional in Russia.

With Walker acting as the right centre-half in the back three in the national set-up, the player has gelled with Trippier playing in his preferred position and formed a good dynamic, aggressive duo for the country on the right. He was crucial for England when they came up against a physically challenging Swedish team but they got through the test, setting up a clash with Croatia.

Trippier sent England on their way with a gem of a free kick in the opening few minutes, however, despite a resilient shift, England was ousted 2-1, bringing an end to their world cup campaign. Gareth Southgate's side lost to Belgium in the third-place play-off but all-in-all for England, the young players entertained fans throughout with their style of play.

RCB: Yerry Mina

Mina listening in to Peckerman's team talk

Columbia's goal-scoring sensation and defensive rock at the back, Yerry Mina was the country's standout performer at the World Cup. Scoring three important goals as a defender for the team, Mina guided the Columbians to the round of 16 where they narrowly lost out on penalties.

A master in the air from set pieces, as he showed in Russia, combined with his tackles and ability to defend cleanly while reading the game, makes a player to watch out for who will only continue to grow at Barcelona.

Mina along with Davidson Sanchez held the fort for Columbia at the back and played their part in helping the team survive. While Peckerman's team lacked creativity in the final third and the fact that Mina finished seventh highest goal scorer and Columbia's leader, the team lacked goals despite the threat of Falcao, Bacca and Muriel.

LCB: Ilya Kupetov

Kupetov raises his arms celebrating a victory

Russia has been a revelation at the World Cup under Stanislav Cherchesov and faced Croatia in the quarter-final only to go out on penalties. With a sound defensive plan, great counter-attacking threat and tactical game management, the hosts have entertained and drawn fans at the tournament.

Ilya Kupetov has been a rock at the back for Russia despite being just 24-years-old and notching just 11 caps for his country. Kuipetov has been resolute in the air and reads the game exceptionally well forming a solid partnership with experienced defender Sergei Ignashevich for the country.

Kupetov is a big robust defender with good technical ability and is a surprisingly strong player who has nullified opposition strikers. An important part of the Russian defence, Kupetov will have cemented his place in the Russian national setup if he continues to put in good performances for club and country when called upon.

LB: Lucas Hernandez

Hernandez celebrates for France v Croatia - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Final

French left full-back, Lucas Hernandez has been pivotal for France during their campaign to World Cup glory. The player has exceeded expectations by filling in for Mendy who suffered a troubled season with an injury. However, now fit, Mendy was kept out of the starting eleven by Hernandez who like Pavard has been absolutely stunning.

The 22-year-old Atletico Madrid player has been brilliant going forward and solid defensively. After the first game against Australia, Hernandez did pick up a lot of flack for admitting to drawing fouls and excessive acting, however, nothing phased the player as he continued his excellent form in Russia.

A World Cup winner at 22, Hernandez is well on his way to becoming one of the finest defensive players in the world.