Bellingham to Mbappe: England and France combined World Cup XI
Before we get started, a caveat: these selections are made based on performances at the 2022 World Cup and not general ability, but are also considerate of a realistic and balanced line-up.
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
Admittedly, it's incredibly difficult to select the England stopper ahead of Hugo Lloris - even in 2022 - but it's hard to argue with the statistics.
Pickford has kept three clean sheets in Qatar, while France are yet to register one, but the Everton man has been kept a little less busy than his peers representing other nations.
Centre-half: Harry Maguire
And part of the reason Pickford hasn't had quite as much to do as other goalkeepers is Maguire, registering 3.5 clearances per 90 minutes.
The Manchester United captain enjoys mixed fortunes at domestic level, but whenever he pulls on the Three Lions' shirt he's able to summon the best version of himself and is a constant aerial threat.
Centre-half: Dayot Upamecano
Upamecano, typically paired with Raphael Varane, has been France's best and most consistent defender at the World Cup.
The 24-year-old manages an average of three tackles, 2.7 clearances and an incredible 94% pass success rate per 90 minutes.
Honourable mention: Ibrahima Konate
Right-back: Kieran Trippier
Both England and France are blessed with several talented full-backs, but on the right side it's Trippier who has been the most consistent in Qatar.
The Newcastle United defender chips in with an average of two tackles and an 86% pass success rate per 90 minutes.
Left-back: Theo Hernandez
Filling in for his brother, Lucas, Theo Hernandez is one of Europe's finest full-backs.
Even if a bit more of an offensive threat, the AC Milan star is averaging the same number of tackles per 90 as Trippier in Qatar while also boasting a 92% pass success rate.
Central midfield: Adrien Rabiot
On paper there are a few players who would start ahead of Rabiot, but the Juventus midfielder has been one of France's best players at this World Cup.
In four performances, the 28-year-old has bagged a goal and an assist, as well as an 88% pass success rate from an average of 54 attempts per 90 minutes.
Honourable mention: Eduardo Camavinga
Central midfield: Jude Bellingham
Bellingham's inclusion needs no justification; the Borussia Dortmund starlet has been one of the very best players so far at the tournament.
His pass success rate at the heart of England's midfield is a staggering 93%, from an average of 54 attempts per 90 minutes. The teenager also has a goal and assist to his name.
Right-wing: Antoine Griezmann
The Frenchman's inclusion on the right is somewhat cheeky, given he typically plays behind a centre-forward for France, but it makes sense for this formation.
Griezmann has been a catalyst for his side in Qatar, pulling strings in the final third and registering an assist along the way, as well as an average of 3.8 key passes per 90 minutes.
Honourable mention: Bukayo Saka
Left-wing: Kylian Mbappe
Like Bellingham, Mbappe requires no introduction - with five goals and two assists to his name already, he has arguably been the best player at the tournament so far.
The Parisian is also somewhat of a creator, with an average of two key passes per 90 minutes and 3.3 successful dribbles.
Centre-forward: Harry Kane
The England captain has been misfiring in front of goal at the World Cup by his own high standards, but has been excellent at link-up play - with three assists to boot.
Kane does have a goal on the board and is a constant threat for England when on the pitch, averaging 1.3 key passes per 90 minutes and effective hold-up play.
Centre-forward: Olivier Giroud
Standing in for Karim Benzema, Giroud has absolutely hit the ground running in Qatar and continues to prove he ages as well as fine wine.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea striker has three goals at the World Cup so far, with his most recent strike making him his nation's all-time leading goal-scorer.
Flashscore's England and France combined XI: Pickford, Maguire, Upamecano, Trippier, T. Hernandez, Rabiot, Bellingham, Griezmann, Mbappe, Kane, Giroud
