Belgium vs Italy: Euro 2020 combined XI

Belgium and Italy will clash in a heavyweight Euro 2020 quarter-final on Friday night, eliminating one of the favourites while sending another through to the last four.

There are bound to be raucous celebrations, there will probably be tears and there will most definitely a whole host of world class players taking to the field.

It's a clash between two star-studded teams not only hoping for, but expecting, glory come July 11. And we, at 90min, though it would be fun to compile a lineup combining both forces...

Here's a combined XI using players from Belgium and Italy.

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Thibaut Courtois (GK) - After a fantastic 2020/21 season between the sticks for Real Madrid, Courtois has taken his good form into Euro 2020. He's been solid and composed, and produced heroics at the death during his side's 1-0 win over Portugal last time out.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo (RB) - The Napoli man has filled in for Alessandro Florenzi since the opening day of this summer's European Championships and has done so to good effect. A solid, athletic full-back who rarely lets his manager down.

Leonardo Bonucci (CB) - Really stepped up at the heart of Italy's defence following Giorgio Chiellini's injury in the group stage. A leader in his own right, and a sensational defender worthy of any combined XI.

Toby Alderweireld (CB) - With so many quality centre backs likely to be on show for both sides, it's tough to pick two - but this man is key to his side at the back. With his stunning passing range and defensive nous, he's always been trusted by coaches and will be earning his 113th cap on Friday.

Leonardo Spinazzola (LB) - Has taken Euro 2020 by storm. Who knew conventional left-backs could be so outrageously attacking? He's given his opposite number grief every time he's played thus far, and got an assist in Italy's 2-1 extra time win over Austria last time out. For a right-footed player, he's a pretty ridiculous left-back.

2. Midfielders

Jorginho (CM) - It says a lot about Jorginho's quality that he's missed just 15 minutes of Euro 2020 action, despite Roberto Mancini's penchant for rotation throughout the tournament. His ability to control the game's tempo with his metronomic passing is mesmerising, and it's made him a standout performer this summer.

Youri Tielemans (CM) - A few years ago it was doubtful whether Tielemans would ever live up to his potential. But throughout last season he proved just how sensational a footballer he is. Composure, intelligence, all-round ability - he's got it all in abundance.

Marco Verratti (CM) - Verratti is simply a beautiful footballer to watch. His ability to see the bigger picture, break through lines, and dictate matches is why he's been so regular at the highest level for so long.

3. Forwards

Federico Chiesa (RW) - As Kevin De Bruyne's inclusion remains a doubt for the game, we thought we'd play it safe and go with Chiesa. His stunning goal in extra time of Italy's round of 16 win against Austria will put him long in the memory of Azzurri fans.

Romelu Lukaku (ST) - What can be said about this man that hasn't already been said? He's undeniably one of the most terrifying goalscorers around. Lukaku has already notched three at Euro 2020 and his international record stands at 63 in just 97 caps - simply ridiculous.

Lorenzo Insigne (LW) - He's played in three of his nation's matches at the tournament so far, scoring once, and has a knack for finding space and troubling goalkeepers with his stunning trademark curlers. Don't you just love an Insigne curler nestling into that far corner?