11 substitutes who could be protagonists at the World Cup

Sergio Romero (Argentina)

He may be David De Gea's understudy at Manchester United but Romero will line up between the sticks at the World Cup after proving his worth for Argentina.

Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

The young full-back barely features in Zinedine Zidane's Real Madrid, although that isn't the case for his national side. His experience at one of the biggest football clubs in the world will no doubt be called upon as Morocco try to become the first African side to win the World Cup.

Thomas Vermaelen (Belgium)

Injuries have faultered his career at the Camp Nou but Vermaelen will be given the nod to lead a young Belgium side to glory in Russia.

Lucas Hernandez (France)

The young defender finally decided his national allegiance and no doubt Didier Deschamps will utilise the Atletico Madrid man well during the summer tournament.

Layvin Kurzawa (France)

Recently he has fallen down the pecking order to Yuri Berchiche at Paris Saint-Germain but Kurzawa is a great attacking threat and 'Les Bleus' would be foolish not to try and get the most out of him in Russia.

Paul Pogba (France)

His career at United has been a soap opera as reports continue to surface about a 'feud' with head coach Jose Mourinho. However, life in the national team is more simple for the midfielder and he will be keen to prove that he can perform on the big stage.

Isco (Spain)

The midfielder often finds himself relegated to the bench in favour of Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez at Madrid but Spain head coach Julen Lopetegui looks to Isco as a leader as 'La Roja' attempt to regain their status at the top of the footballing world.

Philippe Coutinho (Brazil)

He has only recently moved to Barcelona in the January transfer window and is yet to stamp his mark at the Camp Nou but Coutinho has no problem doing it for Brazil. In Neymar's absence, expect the former Liverpool attacker to shine.

Julian Draxler (Germany)

Unai Emery has understandably favoured his new additions Neymar and Kylian Mbappe over the German but with the World Cup champions somewhat 'light' up top, Draxler will be given his moment to flourish in Russia.

Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez (Mexico)

He has experienced a mini-revival at West Ham amid their injury woes, however, he will be leading the line for Mexico at the World Cup this summer.

Alvaro Morata (Spain)

His place on the plane for Russia is nowhere near confirmed after missing out on Spain's squad for their round of friendlies. If he does make Lopetegui's selection though, he will be keen to show everyone his goalscoring prowess.