Should France overcome Croatia in Moscow on Sunday, the Academy graduate will join Bobby Charlton, John Connelly and Nobby Stiles – who were part of England’s 1966 triumph – in the history books.

Either way, Pogba has proven himself one of the leading stars of the 2018 tournament, with some of football’s most prestigious names rushing forward to lavish praise on the gangly wizard’s sophisticated and intelligent midfield displays.

Jose Mourinho said: “France scored [against Belgium] and then they tried to control the game, which they did, with a fantastic performance by Raphael Varane and a very good performance by Pogba. He played the game with great maturity. When he had to hold position and keep control of the game, he did. When Deschamps took off Giroud to bring on N’Zonzi, Pogba had more freedom – freedom to keep the ball, keep the ball away from dangerous areas, to assist Griezmannn for a great chance. He was very, very mature.”