World Cup: How did Manchester United’s England players fare on the world’s biggest stage?

Manchester United’s finest Englishman exited the World Cup on Wednesday night after defeat to Croatia. But how have each of them performed over the past four weeks in helping England reach the semifinals?

Firstly, when they all slump down the steps of their plane on the runway back in England, they can do so with their heads held high. They will step out to the warmest of welcomes, as the previously unheralded and unexpected ones, allowed fans to dream.

Whatever they go on to achieve in an England shirt in the future, they will always be part of the team who reached the semifinals for the first time in 28 years. Almost bringing football home with them on the flight back.

And when the four Manchester United boys return back up north to the Aon Training Complex, they too can reflect on the part they played in a historic tournament.

Jesse Lingard, Ashley Young, Marcus Rashford and Phil Jones have represented their club tremendously. Like the whole 23, they have shown what it means to play for your country. Understood their roles in the team well, and took that onto the pitch in their performances too.

But how will they feel about their own form coming back to United? Who has been the standout individual? First up for review is someone who has played the least amount of minutes of all the United lads, Phil Jones.