July 18 – UEFA have selected their official Team of the Tournament following Spain’s victory on Sunday, and Luis de La Fuente’s side continue to dominate even after the final whistle.
The team begins with France star Mike Maignan in goal, who was a core part of France’s stubborn defence which conceded only a singular goal in the buildup to the semi-final.
Despite only featuring in four matches, Georgia star Giorgi Mamardashvili will feel unlucky not to have made the list after single-handedly lifting his country out of the group stages. In Georgia’s second group match versus Czechia, the keeper made a record 11 saves – just five shy of Maignan’s tally for the entire tournament. Overall, the 23-year-old made 29 saves – 11 more than any other player.
UEFA’s defence is shaped by France’s William Saliba, Switzerland’s Manuel Akanji and Spain’s Marc Cucurella, with the controversial addition of England’s Kyle Walker despite the 34-year-old being almost directly at fault for the goals that sent the three lions crashing out at the last hurdle.
It is Spain that completely dominates the midfield selection, as Player of the Tournament Rodri is flanked by compatriots Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo. The latter has been hinted toward a move to the Premier League, as both Chelsea and Manchester City look to activate his £50 million release clause.
There is a Bellingham-shaped hole in that midfield, as the Englishman was a huge reason why the three lions reached the final in Berlin, though all three Spaniards are worthy of their place.
Dutch forward Cody Gakpo was snubbed in favour of rocket-powered Spain winger Nico Williams despite picking up the golden boot with three goals – a trophy shared by six total players. That being said, 22-year-old Williams was the breakout star of the summer and offered plenty more than just goals. The Spaniard has a €50 million release clause – a fee which has caused a number of clubs to circle like sharks.
Spanish starlet Lamine Yamal occupies the other flank. The 17-year-old was the top assister of the tournament and responsible for perhaps the greatest goal – a thunderous effort to bury France’s hopes of progressing to the final.
With UEFA clearly keen to shoehorn in the player and with no striker really taking the reins, Germany midfielder Jamal Musiala has been picked as the striker after an impressive display on home soil.
Ahead of the tournament, OPTA predicted it would take six goals to win the golden boot. The final tally of three goals is enough to explain the shortcomings of strikers across the continent this summer and justifies the selection of Musiala, who was simply fantastic.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1732524817labto1732524817ofdlr1732524817owedi1732524817sni@g1732524817niwe.1732524817yrrah1732524817