Euro 2016: Quarter-Final XI featuring Arsenal and West Ham stars

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Centre-Forward: Hal Robson-Kanu (Wales)

The former Reading man was a free agent heading into the tournament, but suddenly has Premier League clubs vying for his signature after a tirelessly brilliant display against Belgium. Inspired by Wales’ historic run thus far, Robson-Kanu wrote himself into Welsh football folklore with a moment of sheer genius. With his back to Marouane Fellaini, Thomas Meunier and Jason Denayer inside the penalty box, he left the trio for dead with a swift and graceful Cruyff turn before curling a left-footed shot beyond the bewildered Thibaut Courtois. His goal from nowhere which bamboozled the Belgian defence epitomised Wales’ run at Euro 2016, a team of grafters stepping up to the plate on the big stage and defying all expectation.

Centre-Forward: Olivier Giroud (France)

The Arsenal forward was excellent for France as they crushed Iceland’s Euro 2016 dreams in a 5-2 thrashing at the Stade de France. Giroud settled any early nerves with a low near-post strike through goalkeeper Hannes Thór Halldórsson’s legs to open the scoring, before further goals propelled France into a 4-0 lead before the break. Shortly after Kolbeinn Sigthorsson restored pride for Iceland, Giroud resumed normal service with a powerful headed goal from Dimitri Payet’s free-kick. Aside from his goals, he also showed his intelligence in the centre-forward role with some superb hold-up play and a clever dummy from a ball forward to send Antoine Griezmann clear for France’s fourth goal. The strong spearhead striker was withdrawn shortly after bagging his brace having been a booking away from missing the semi-final; Didier Deschamps clearly recognising the importance of Giroud to his France team. If he can continue his goal-scoring form, don’t bet against France going all the way and taking the spoils at their own party.

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