Ian Hawkey

France, England, Spain and Netherlands have all relied on younger players who have delivered under extreme pressure

But Saudi Pro League defender may face Uefa sanctions over his gesture after scoring in 2-1 win against Austria

Shock results and chaotic matches have been features of tournament where players have shrugged off the constraints of club football

We take a look at the best players so far as teams prepare for last 16

Captain leads team into battle against Czech Republic at his old ground in Hamburg where he established himself as one of football’s great dead-ball virtuosos

Veteran Real Madrid defender, who is injury doubt for game with Albania on Monday, looks set for summer move to kingdom

Portugal begin their campaign on Tuesday and are one of several teams with key players operating in Saudi Arabia

Tournament hosts have potential problems in various positions while their form over the past 12 months has been patchy

Ambitious 'Knights of the Mediterranean' eye qualification for next year's Afcon and the expanded 2026 World Cup

Moroccan and Turkish attackers have made a big impact this season, with Kylian Mbappe's imminent arrival set to give Champions League finalists a fearsome array of offensive talent

Atlas Lions stars are having a huge impact on the biggest competitions, with El Kaabi looking to cap stunning form for Olympiakos with victory in Europa Conference League final

Intrepid Argentine and former Marinos manager was part of the 'J-League revolution' that saw Japan emerge as a force not only in Asia but on the world stage too

Continental heavyweights set to renew their rivalry in Saturday's first leg

Respective Al Ain and Yokohama coaches face-off against each other over two legs this month - 19 years after contrasting fortunes in the Uefa Champions League final

Moroccan has galvinised UAE club's path to continental showpiece, where they face Yokohama over two legs. We speak to the coaches who helped launch his career at Raja Casablanca