World Cup 2018 Best XI (Heading Into Tournament)

Who is the best of the best?

By Adam Wilbourn /

World Cup fever is setting in - you can almost feel it. Flags flutter from car windows, office sweepstakes are being organised (come on Denmark!), and you're already planning your excuse for coming in late the morning after an England game.

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We're fewer than seven days away from the start of a month-long tournament which produces unforgettable moments, breaks nations hearts and, in some cases, ends relationships.

We all have differing opinions on which countries should be considered favourites; current holders Germany? Belgium's golden generation? France's star-studded line-up? England?!

Each has a shout, thanks to their squads containing some of the finest players around. But who is the best of the best? If you could build a team of players hand-picked from all the nations competing at the World Cup, who makes the starting XI?

It's a question that will debated by everyone from pundits and experts to your dad and his mates down the pub. De Gea or Neuer? Antoine Greizmann or Neymar? Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?

Well, debate no more: we'll keep you right.

11. Goalkeeper - David De Gea (Spain)

Between the sticks for our World Cup XI is a man who is unrivalled as a shot stopper. De Gea pulls off impossible saves, is ever reliable and has incredible reflexes too. He is the main reason why Man Utd have done well this season, and has been thoroughly tested due to the defence in front of him at Old Trafford at times.

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It's possible to argue that de Gea is better in his position than Lionel Messi is in his. The Spaniard seems to get better in every match and turns up in big games too. It takes a lot to fill the gloves of a legend such as Iker Casillas and oust Manuel Neuer from the Best XI number one jersey, but de Gea, the complete package, does so.

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