Formation: 4-4-2
GK, Gabriel Brazao, Brazil
Golden glove winner was also one of the best goalkeepers on display as Brazil went home as one of the most secure defences in the tournament. Twenty-nine saves in seven games shows how good a shot-stopper he is.
RB, Mateu Morey, Spain
The Barca full-back has marauded forward all tournament and contributed as much to Spain’s attack as he has to their defence. His workrate is amazing, as is his understanding with Barca teammate Abel Ruiz – the forward who kept getting onto his long balls from defence.
CB, Yann-Aurel Bisseck, Germany
To classify Bisseck as a central defender seems a tad unfair considering he has played all around the pitch, but the FC Koln youngster’s versatility is what makes him special. Physical and comfortable on the ball, Bisseck is a threat on set-pieces as well.
CB, Joel Latibeaudiere, England
The rock at the back for England and their captain on the field in most matches, the Manchester City defender has given off John Terry vibes all tournament. The ease with which he nullified Brazil’s attack in the semifinals was impressive.
LB, Steven Sessegnon, England
He is not even the best defender in his family — his twin brother Ryan has graduated to the U20 team ahead of him — but the Fulham youngster had a stormer of a World Cup. He was at fault for Spain’s opener in the final, but came back to create England’s first two goals.
LM, Paulinho, Brazil
Part of the Brazilian attack that dazzled their way to the semifinals, the highlight of Paulinho’s tournament was that stunner of a goal that sank Germany in the quarters. A versatile player, Paulinho is equally comfortable being the furthest man ahead.
CM, Yacine Adli, France
Amine Gouiri was the most hyped player in the France line-up, but behind him, Adli was no less sensational in the group stages. That the Paris St Germain midfielder managed five assists in the four games he played shows his creative capabilities.
CM, Alan, Brazil
One of the most talented players on show at the World Cup, Alan’s displays have already caught the eye of Real Madrid scouts. Nicknamed Alanzinho, the little midfielder bears a striking resemblance to Andreas Iniesta in how he plays.
RM, Phil Foden, England
The player of the tournament, the best player of the final, Foden is the talk of the town after inspiring his side to World Cup victory. The Manchester City attacker has already been promised first team action by Pep Guardiola.
FW, Lassana Ndiaye, Mali
The Malian forward was the main inspiration behind his side’s run to the semifinal and has been one of the most complete forwards on display at the tournament — he has scored with his left foot, his right foot and his head.
FW, Rhian Brewster, England
Being top scorer of the World Cup is one thing. But doing that with two successive hat-tricks in two consecutive knockout matches (quarterfinal and the semifinal) is nothing short of sensational. Brewster looks an exciting prospect for both England and his club Liverpool.
Substitutes:
Amine Gouiri (France), Andrew Ayiah (Ghana), Abel Ruiz (Spain), Andrew Carleton (USA), Miranda (Spain), Jonathan Panza (England), Curtis Anderson (England).
Coach: Steve Cooper (England)