EURO 2020 gave football fans everything they could have dreamed of and more. It was full of emotion, drama, controversy and entertainment, a combination the football world has needed after months of watching matches with few to no fans in the seats.
Major tournaments always offer players a unique opportunity to seize the moment and prove their quality. This tournament was full of players who elevated their transfer stocks and staked their claims to being world class players. In this piece, I will share my Team of the Tournament, which will include the best XI as well as a full compliment of substitutes and reserves (a full squad of 23, in the spirit of a national tournament). Let's go!
BEST XI
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma, ITALY
Although England's Jordan Pickford made this decision quite difficult, Donnarumma makes the best XI on the back of his championship-winning performance. The 22-year-old was a key figure in Italy's bend-don't-break defensive style and consistently dominated his box, claiming a total of 26 crosses and punching six additional crosses clear. While Donnarumma only registered nine saves throughout the seven matches, he came up huge in the penalty shootouts in both the semi-final and final, saving one against Spain and two against England to help lift the trophy. Not to mention he was named Player of the Tournament by UEFA, making him only the second goalkeeper to ever win the award (Peter Schmeichel, EURO 1992, awarded retrospectively).
The young player has recently completed a move to PSG that will see him playing Champions League football for years to come. Italy continues to produce world class goalkeepers, and it seems this incredible EURO run symbolized the passing of the Italian torch from Gigi Buffon to Gianluigi Donnarumma. This likely is just the beginning for the massive shot-stopper.
Left Back: Leonardo Spinazzola, ITALY
Leonardo Spinazzola was one of the breakout stars of EURO 2020. The 28-year-old's career has been on a meteoric rise recently, after being on-loan in Serie C just a few years ago. Spinazzola's energy and quality down the left was extremely difficult to cope with for opposing sides, highlighted by a man-of-the-match performance in Italy's 3-0 dismantling of Turkey in the opening game of the tournament.
Spinazzola was a live wire going forward, completing 88% of his passes and contributing to Italy's impressive 31% cross-completion rate. He danced past defenders throughout the competition and often showed off his electric pace. On the defensive side of the ball he was solid, notching 27 ball recovers and recording three blocks, all while only committing one (!) foul the entire tournament.
His achilles injury against Belgium in the Quarterfinals put a stop to what could have been a Player of the Tournament run. While the injury, which will keep him out for the greater part of a year, is heartbreaking, the story ended happily as he was able to lift the trophy with his teammates. The team really rallied around him, evidenced by their celebrations with his jersey after defeating Spain in the semi-final.
Center Back: Leonardo Bonucci, ITALY
At this point, you may be wondering if this is just Italy's XI. I promise it is not, but Italy players did make it extremely difficult to select anyone else. Bonucci's experience and hard-nose play style earned him a spot in this XI, as did his vital second-half equalizer in the Final against England. Roberto Mancini's decision to bring back Bonucci and center-back partner Giorgio Chiellini from the old guard ultimately won the Azzurri the trophy.
The 34-year-old played a vital part in Italy's rear guard that only conceded four goals throughout the entire tournament. He played every minute aside from being substituted in the match against Wales, when Italy had already clinched first place in Group A. He completed 16 clearances and successful converted penalties during the shootouts in both the semi-final and the final. Live images of Chiellini and him smiling as they defended within their box reinforce what type of attitude the Juventus man brings to every football match.
Center Back: Harry Maguire, ENGLAND
Harry Maguire showed that he is one of the best center backs in the world during EURO 2020. After not featuring in the first two matches of the tournament due to recovery from an injury, Maguire slotted in brilliantly beyond that point. England's conceding of only two goals in the competition is a spectacular achievement, and Maguire was at the heart of it.
The Manchester United man made six tackles, blocked four shots and completed 25 clearances through five matches. He also registered 34 ball recoveries and completed 94% of his passes in a system that saw England play a majority of medium-length and long-range passes as opposed to short passes. Maguire also scored in England's 4-0 Quarterfinal thrashing of Ukraine and was named man-of-the-match in England's iconic 2-0 victory over rival Germany in the Round of 16. He gave his all in the Final as well, posting an immense 10 clearances and nine ball recoveries against Italy.
Right Back: Joakim Mæhle, DENMARK
Right back was the most difficult position to select in the sense that no out-and-out RB really stood out as head and shoulders above the rest. Kyle Walker was great, but he played primarily as a center back in a back three. Thus, Denmark's Joakim Mæhle gets the nod on the right flank as opposed to the left, where he played throughout the tournament.
The right-footed Atalanta man made himself a household name after blazing past many-a-defender during Denmark's cinderella run to the semi-finals. Denmark was applauded for their fluid attacking style, quick counter attacks and bravery going forward. Mæhle, despite his position title as wingback, was a huge part of that. Likely as a result of his time at Genk and Atalanta, two very attacking outfits, Mæhle showed comfort and quality both delivering crosses and taking on defenders. He contributed to Denmark's stunning 36% cross-accuracy as a team, assisted once and scored twice, including a beautiful goal in his side's 4-0 triumph over Wales.
Defensive Midfield: Kalvin Phillips, ENGLAND
If you don't know this name by now, you should. At this time last year, Kalvin Phillips had not played a single match in the top flight of his native England. He was a key performer for Leeds United in their promotion season in 2019-2020, and continued that form in his first Premier League season last year. He played so well that he earned a call from England manager Gareth Southgate, and the rest is history.
Phillips started all seven matches for England at EURO 2020, and never stopped running. He covered a staggering 51.5 miles and was instrumental in sitting directly in front of the back two or three, depending on what system England was playing at the time. He is an expert in breaking up play, as he made 13 successful tackles in England's journey to the Final. His game is not limited to the defensive side of the ball though, as did get forward often. He completed over 300 passes and registered four shots, as well as notching a man-of-the-match performance against Croatia in England's opening match victory. Phillip's future with the national team looks bright as he is only 25.
Holding Midfielder: Jorginho, ITALY
There were some shouts for Jorginho to be named Player of the Tournament at EURO 2020. If he would have scored the game-winning penalty in the final, he just might have been.
Despite that, Jorginho is still one of the first names on the Best XI team sheet. The Chelsea midfielder has now won the Champions League and European Championship within two months, and has played a vital role in both. He is an absolute workhorse. The maestro in the middle completed an absurd 497 passes and only failed to complete 32 the entire tournament. He successful completed 11 tackles and recorded 46 ball recoveries. Italy went to extra time in three of their matches, and Jorginho played all but 15 minutes and covered 53.8 total miles during that time. And he did convert the match-winning penalty against Spain in the semi-final. I'm not sure what else has to be said.
Attacking Midfield: Pedri, SPAIN
For an 18-year-old to have as good of a tournament as Pedri is an incredible feat. Spain's only representative in the Best XI was a creative force for the Red Fury, and played a key role in getting them getting going after a slow start. After scoring just one goal in two matches against Sweden and Poland, Spain exploded for 10 against Slovakia and Croatia. This is where Pedri's form began to turn, which continued until their semi-final exit to the at the hands of the eventual-champions Italy.
Pedri completed 429 passes at a 92% clip, as well as an impressive 47 long passes in Spain's six matches. He was also fouled 13 times, as he has a knack for running at defenders. He was named Young Player of the Tournament by UEFA, and for good reason. All signs point to the Barcelona man having a bright, bright future ahead.
Left Wing: Raheem Sterling, ENGLAND
Raheem Sterling was consistently England's most threatening player at EURO 2020. The Manchester City man scored three times and assisted once, and was consistently popping up in dangerous areas for the Three Lions.
Sterling averaged two shots and one shot on target per match throughout the entirety of the competition, showing that he was committed to getting forward and testing goalkeepers. He was clocked at over 20mph, and this blistering pace combined with his skill and ability led him to be fouled 12 times by opponents.
He also had a knack for scoring big goals for his side. He scored the loan goal against the Czech Republic in the final group match, and scored the game-winning goal against Germany in the Round of 16. He also drew what turned out to be the deciding penalty in extra time of the semi-final, which Harry Kane dispatched to defeat Denmark 2-1. While defeat in the final will hurt for Sterling, he still has time to make his mark with England, as he is only 26.
Right Wing: Federico Chiesa, ITALY
Chiesa marks Italy's 5th player to make the Best XI, a spot that he really solidified with his performance in the final. Despite not contributing to a goal in that match, he was arguably the best player on the field and was undoubtably the best attacking player for either side.
Chiesa scored two of Italy's biggest goals—against Spain in the semi-final and against Austria in extra time in the Round of 16. He took 17 shots, averaging more than two per match, and he was clocked at greater than 20mph just like Sterling. Despite being listed as a midfielder, Chiesa spent the majority of his time playing on the left, and was an expert at springing Italy on the counter attack. At 23, he will be a feature in this "new age" Italian side for years to come.
Striker: Patrik Schick, CZECH REPUBLIC
The Czech Republic's Patrik Schick is the only player to make this list that didn't reach at least the Semi-final stage of the tournament. His output was only matched by Cristiano Ronaldo himself, as Schick scored five goals in as many matches.
The 25-year-old plays for consistent Bundesliga performer Bayer Leverkusen, but he used EURO 2020 to announce himself to the footballing world with emphasis. He averaged over three shots per match, and scored with five out of his nine shots on target. He also showed a range of finishing ability scoring with his head, left foot and right foot. As the stage got larger, Schick rose up. He scored in the Czech upset of the Netherlands in the Round of 16, as well as their loss to Denmark in the Quarterfinals.
Oh, and it would be criminal to ignore that he scored the goal of the tournament from the halfway line against Scotland.
SUBSTITUES
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford, ENGLAND
The England number one is probably the most unlucky to miss out on a starting spot in the Best XI. Pickford only conceded two goals and kept five clean sheets on his way to winning the Golden Glove. He also broke England's all-time shutout streak during the competition. He made 16 saves, claimed 27 crosses and punched seven more away. He saved two penalties in the Final shootout, including stopping what would have been the game-winning penalty from penalty-specialist Jorginho. Pickford didn't do much wrong, but when choosing between Golden Glove winner and Player of the Tournament, one must miss out.
Outside Back: Luke Shaw, ENGLAND
Luke Shaw is another player that is very unlucky to miss out on a starting spot in the Best XI. The extreme depth at left back keeps the Manchester United man on the bench, but it's fair to say Shaw had a brilliant tournament.
Shaw provided three assists in six matches at EURO 2020, and was a formidable attacking fullback each time he stepped on the pitch. He also defended well, making nine successful tackles and completing eight clearances. He also registered 21 ball recoveries and, of course, scored England's loan goal in the Final.
Center Back: Simon Kjær, DENMARK
Simon Kjær was a huge part of Denmark's unlikely run to the semi-finals. The Milan man was a rock at the back for the Scandinavian side, having only conceded more than one goal on one occasion throughout the entire tournament.
The 32-year-old made 12 successful tackles, completed 16 clearances, made four blocks and registered 39 ball recoveries. He also only committed three fouls and was never carded, which is wildly impressive for a center back.
Also, the leadership and heroism he showed in the midst of the Christian Eriksen tragedy show elevate Kjær in anyone's mind, though that did not play a part in consideration for this list.
Holding Midfield: Declan Rice, ENGLAND
Holding midfield is a position where England are not short for talent. Paired with Phillips, Rice was also brilliant throughout the competition.
The West Ham man played in every match for England and completed over 90% of his passes. He made 28 ball recoveries and 10 successful tackles, while covering over just shy of 39 miles.
Midfield: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, DENMARK
It's incredible to think that Pierre-Emile Højbjerg is only 25. Throughout this tournament, he did was we are now accustom to seeing him to do, first at Southampton and now at Spurs: Put in absolute shifts in the midfield.
He plays in a bit more of an advanced role for his country than for his club, which we saw at this competition. He provided three assists and registered nine total efforts toward goal. He played ever minute for his nation, and covered just under 40 miles in those six matches. And he did not receive a card, something that is usually somewhat of a normality for him.
Attacking Midfield: Steven Zuber, SWITZERLAND
Steven Zuber had a wildly successful run with Switzerland, and is probably the most underrated player on this list. The Eintracht Frankfurt man provided 4 assists in as many matches, topping the EURO 2020 assist charts.
After not featuring in the team's opening match—a disappointing draw against Wales—his introduction into the side really ignited the Swiss offense. After being shutout by Italy, Switzerland put three past Turkey, then three past France as they upset the defending World Cup champions in the Round of 16. Zuber assisted all three goals against Turkey, making him only the 2nd player in EURO history to register three assists in one match (Altintop v. Czech Republic, 2008). He was a major part of Switzerland's run to the Quarterfinals.
Forward: Romelu Lukaku, BELGIUM
Lukaku continued his fine form from his title-winning season in Italy with Inter. He scored four goals, including his sides only goal in their 2-1 Quarterfinal defeat to eventual-champions Italy. The big Belgian showed his finishing ability by netting twice with each foot, and was a constant threat with 13 total shots and three fouls drawn.
RESERVES
Goalkeeper: Yann Sommer, SWITZERLAND
Goalkeeper and left back are probably the deepest positions in this team, and Sommer is unlucky to only make the reserves in this side.
He made an impressive 21 saves throughout the tournament, with 10 of them coming in his monumental Quarterfinal performance against Spain. The Swiss shot-stopper also claimed 14 crosses and punched away five more. He was the hero in his side's shocking upset of France, saving Kylian Mbappe's decisive penalty. He also saved a penalty in the shootout against Spain, but it wasn't enough for his side to advance.
Center Back: Giorgio Chiellini, ITALY
Chiellini deserves to be somewhere in this team. The 36-year-old stalwart was instrumental in Italy's lifting of the trophy. In such a young side, his experience and leadership cannot be undervalued; not to mentioned his contributions to the defense that only conceded four goals in the form of 21 clearances and 37 ball recoveries.
Holding Midfielder: N'Golo Kante, FRANCE
In what amounted to a disappointing summer for France, N'Golo Kante yet again showed why he is one of the best holding midfielders on the planet. The Chelsea man is an expert at breaking up play, logging 10 successful tackles and 25 ball recoveries in just four matches. He also completed a staggering 93% of his passes.
Attacking Midfield: Emil Forsberg, SWEDEN
Sweden were one of the teams that were extremely unlucky to go out of the tournament when they did, as they lost at the hands of a 120+1' Ukraine goal, after having a player questionably sent off in extra time.
Forsberg led the line for Sweden, like he often does for RB Leipzig. He scored four goals in as many matches, including two in a 3-2 win over Poland that secured Sweden first place in their group. He also scored in the knockout stage game they lost, and registered two successful tackles and seven ball recoveries.
Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo, PORTUGAL
The defending EURO 2016 champion can only find a replace in the reserves of this team even after securing the Golden Boot. There are couple of reason for this.
First, it was a wildly underwhelming title defense from his side. After successfully making it out of the group of death, they went out in the Round of 16 without scoring a goal in the knockout stage. Secondly, Ronaldo scored five goals, but three were from the penalty spot. The fourth was a meaningless goal in an underwhelming 4-2 loss to Germany, and the fifth was in stoppage time against Hungary in a victory that was already secured.
I give credit where credit is due for scoring five goals in a major tournament, and notching that one assist to win the Golden Boot, but there are players that deserve to be in this team much more than Ronaldo this time around.
Total number of players in the squad by nation (in starting XI)
Italy — 6 (5)
England — 6 (3)
Denmark — 3 (1)
Switzerland — 2
Spain — 1 (1)
Czech Republic — 1 (1)
Belgium — 1
France — 1
Portugal — 1
Sweden — 1
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