Twenty-four started out on the road to glory and now 16 remain as the Women’s World Cup knockout stage begins on Saturday.

The group stage produced 106 goals across 36 matches in what is the biggest tournament in women’s football to date.

England are still in contention after topping their group with three wins from three but Scotland were agonisingly denied qualification after surrendering a 3-0 lead in a controversial match against Argentina.

Favourites and holders United States also advanced along with hosts France and much fancied teams such as Netherlands and Germany.

But who were the standout players in the opening phase of the competition?

Ahead of the start of the knockout stage, we have picked our best XI from the group stage.

Do you agree with our selection? Or, which players do you think we have missed out?

Goalkeeper: Almuth Schult (Germany)

Both Germany and United States have passed through the group stages without conceding a single goal, so this selection was between Schult and Alyssa Naeher. But three convincing displays from the German goalkeeper swung the decision in her favour.

Commanding, assured and comfortable performances against Spain and China puts the VFL Wolfsburg keeper in top form and she certainly will be tough to beat in the coming rounds.

Right-back: Lucy Bronze
(England)

Lyon full-back Bronze has played out an unbelievable tournament so far, being a standout performer in a solid England defence and having a worthy input offensively.

Bronze has linked up well with her centre-backs as well as the midfield three sat in front of her, often being the link between the two when the Lionesses play out from the back.

If the right-back continues to flourish in the high-intensity fixtures then any opposing winger will have to be at the top of their game to get a sniff of a chance against Phil Neville’s women.

Centre-back: Wendie Renard (France)

Three goals from centre-back made the France defender very hard to look past in this best XI line-up, scoring two against Korea in a 4-0 victory and the crucial goal in a 1-0 over Nigeria.

A moment of madness against Norway, in which the 28-year-old slotted into her own net under minimal pressure, has clearly been brushed aside and the towering Lyon player, who is the tallest player at the tournament, looks determined to help guide the French ladies to success on home turf.

Centre-back: Abby Dahlkemper (USA)

The United States are another side entering the knockout stages without conceding, and credit for this must be shared between the defensive trio of centre backs and goalkeeper.

Dahlkemper is a key member of this defensive triangle and has been strong, assured and calm in all three of her performances, staying tight to her strikers and eliminating any dangers as quickly as they arrive.

In and around her penalty area the North Carolina Courage defender has shown composure, willing to control crosses and play the ball out wide when her side are under pressure, turning defence into attack in a matter of moments.

The United States are in with a real shot of retaining the trophy if Dahlkemper and co are capable of dealing with better attacks in the later rounds.

Left-back: Amel Majri (France)

Another Lyon defender makes up this backline, this time in the name of full-back Amel Majri.

The 26-year-old has been exceptional for France and been a true nuisance in both boxes, staying tight to her winger but breaking quickly when in possession to outnumber the opposition.

Majri has already registered two assists in the tournament and looks set to register many more with the exquisite crosses into dangerous areas she provides.

Midfielder: Sherida Spitse (Netherlands)

Netherlands are another side to pass through the group stage with a flawless record, and it appears they haven’t even been at their very best.

One consistent performer in the side has been Spitse, who has been terrific in the centre of the park.

The Valerenga playmaker has worked very hard in the midfield, tracking back and intercepting loose balls and quickly moving the ball forward.

Spitse is a crucial clog in this Dutch machine and manager Sarina Wiegman will be hoping that she can continue this fine form.

Midfielder: Caroline Hansen (Norway) 

Norway may not have the most individually-talented squad, especially with Ada Hegerberg refusing to play for her nation, but as a collective team they have shown to be very difficult opposition.

Centre midfielder Caroline Hansen has been pivotal in Norway’s success in moving into the knockout stages, scoring one and assisting one in what has been a noteworthy campaign for the Wolfsburg midfielder.

The attacking Norwegian has averaged five successful dribbles per match in her three appearances, showcasing that she is bringing the ball forward from deep and putting her side on the front-foot consistently.

Midfielder: Kosovare Asllani
(Sweden)

Twenty-nine-year-old Kosovare Asllani has been crucial for the progression of Sweden in this tournament as her two goals and assist helped secure the Scandinavian side second-place in Group F.

The Linkopings FC midfielder has been energetic throughout and has shown that players can flourish if they have licence to roam in midfield, being able to drift into pockets and open space for teammates to run into.

If Sweden continue to play with the same work ethic and flair that they have done so far, they could prove to be dark horses in this competition.

Forward: Sam Kerr (Australia)

Five goals in three appearances on the biggest stage of all will always be worthy of entering a best XI, especially if the performances the goals have come in have been as outstanding as Sam Kerr’s.

The centre-forward has been in fine form for Australia, putting defenders under constant pressure and making electric runs throughout every 90 minutes.

If Kerr continues in this rich vein of form then she could be taking some level of silverware back home, whether that be a medal, top goalscorer trophy or overall player of the tournament prize.

Forward: Alex Morgan (USA)

Alex Morgan has again proven why she is one of the best female footballers of our generation.

Her intelligence on and off the ball has been nothing less than masterful, shown through her five goals and three assists in just two appearances.

Despite the level of opposition, the Orlando Pride striker’s performance against Thailand will be written into the history books for a whole host of reasons as it’s the fixture where she registered all her goals and assists.

Forward: Ellen White (England)

The final forward in this front three is England’s Ellen White, who has been magnificent for the Lionesses.

The striker has scored three goals in two appearances, with a brace against Japan in a 2-0 victory and the second goal in a 2-1 win over Scotland.

The Manchester City player has been linking up well with her strike partners and working well with her overlapping full-backs, being strong in possession to hold up the ball and allow her teammates time to dart forward.

If England are to do be successful in this tournament then they will be reliant on forwards Nikita Paris and White at times, but the pair have shown that when played alongside each other, they are able to create plenty of chances between themselves.