The Euro 2020 Team of the Tournament | Who made the pick?

The curtain is now closed on the Euro 2020 tournament after weeks of exhilarating football actions. Italy emerged winner after a dramatic win over England, but who made it into theINFOnerds Euro 2020 team of the tournament.

HOME is ROME! As the last spot-kick left the boots of Bukayo Saka, it was almost certain football isn’t coming home instead it is going to Rome. The English fans suffer more heartache as the 55-year wait for a major tournament trophy continues.

There were many top performers across the tournament. With that in mind, some big names are likely to be missing. That being said, this is a personal opinion of yours truly. Be sure to voice your opinions (agreement/disagreement) in the comment section.

Let’s dive into things by unveiling theINFOnerds Euro 2020 team of the tournament.

#1 GK: GIGI DONNARUMMA (Italy)

UEFA’s player of the tournament and my no 1. The 22-year old was the hero of the shoot out keeping out the decisive spot-kick from Saka. The Italian giant goalie is yet to concede more than a goal in 33 appearances for his country.

Also, he is part of the second meanest defence in the tournament keeping 3 clean sheets en route to victory. His imminent free transfer to PSG is already looking like a deal of a lifetime.

Special shout outs to Jordan Pickford, Kasper Schmeichel and Yan Sommer.

#2 CB: HARRY MAGUIRE (England)

The Manchester United captain missed the first two games of the tournament because of an ankle injury but since his reintroduction, he has been immense.

Maguire got the Star of the Match award against Germany in the round of 16 after a near-perfect display winning all of his aerial duels and 4 of 6 ground duels. With that said, he finished the tournament with a passing accuracy of 92%, 34 ball recoveries and 6 attempted tackles.

England has conceded 4 goals in the last 12 games he has started.

#3 CB: GIORGIO CHEILLINI (Italy)

The team of the tournament backline is incomplete without the Azzurri’s inspirational captain. The 36-year old marshalled Italy to victory ending their 58-year-old wait for a European trophy.

In what is likely to be his final bow, Chiellini put in a spirited performance across the tournament making a mockery of his age.

In a period during the final match, Saka got away from the Juventus captain but he was not going to be denied his glorious moment as he created a now-viral image pulling the teenager to the floor.

The veteran made 37 ball recoveries and 23 clearances.

#4 CB: LUKE SHAW (England)

Left out of the first game against Croatia, Luke Shaw cemented his place in England starting 11 upon his reintroduction. The left-back was part of the defence that kept 5 clean sheets and didn’t concede any goal from open play.

In addition to his defensive display, the Manchester United man contributed 3 assists and scored the fastest goal ever in the European Championship final. Only by Ronaldo (6) and Schick (5) better his 4 goal contributions.

#5 RWB: JOAKIM MAEHLE (Denmark)

Joakim Maehle announces himself to the world with sensational displays across the tournament making him one of the top performers.

The Atalanta wing-back played both RWB & LWB for his country scoring twice and produced arguably the best assist of the tournament against Czech.

Watch his outrageous assist below:

#6 LWB: LEONARDO SPINAZZOLA (Italy)

The 28-year old tournament ended after being stretched off in the final minutes of Italy quarter-final victory over Belgium. Spinazzola was Italy’s best player in the tournament prior to the injury.

After his injury, Mancini side looked less threatening going forward and vulnerable defensively. No wonder the AS Roma left-back got the star of the match award in the opening game against Turkey and round of 16 against Austria.

#7 CM: PEDRI (Spain)

There is no Euro 2020 team of the tournament without the wonder kid from Barcelona.

There were doubts about Pedri starting in a side that had Rodri, Alcantara, Koke and the likes. Even I doubted him but the youngster went on to play all but one min of football for his country across the tournament.

Pedri created 11 chances and completed more successful passes in the opposition half (317) than any other player.

No wonder he got the Young Player of the Tournament award.

#8 CM: PIERRE-EMILE HOJBJERG (Denamrk)

To put it in simple terms, Hojbjerg was sensational during the tournament. He was the driving force in his team outstanding run to the semis.

The Spurs man numbers are off the charts showing he helped his nation in every possible way he could after the loss of Talisman Eriksen to a heart problem.

In addition to his 3 assists, Hojbjerg created 11 chances, completed 10 dribbles and won the ball back 51 times.

#9 CM: JORGINHO (Italy)

Unfairly criticized by a section of his club fans, this is a summer of vindication for the Brazilian born Italian. In the space of 6 weeks, Jorginho has won the two biggest trophies UEFA has to offer.

The key man in Italy midfield. Jorginho stats speak volumes for themselves.

The Chelsea man created a new Championship record for interceptions with 25. Point in case, no other player made more than 14. Also, he ranks second for passes completed (485) and possession won (48).

He is not doing his weak Ballon D’or chances any harm.

#10 FW: RAHEEM STERLING (England)

What better way to silence your critics by producing world-class performances across the tournament. Everything good England did in the attacking phase, Sterling was involved.

Simply put, there is no England final without Raheem Sterling. The Manchester City man scored 3 match-winning goals and produced an assist. Also, his runs into the opposition box were effectively responsible for England’s victory against Denmark.

#11 FW: CRISTIANO RONALDO (Portugal)

Cristiano Ronaldo slightly edges the goal of the tournament winner and joint highest goal scorer Patrik Schick in my team of the tournament.

The 36-year old Juventus talisman scored 5 and produce 1 assist. Also, he is now level with Iran Alli Daei as the all-time leading goal scorer in men international football.

Formation: 3-5-2

Coach: Roberto Mancini

*Stats from UEFA.com*