Euro 2024: Lamine Yamal and Rodri shine in Spain’s impressive performance in the Team of the Tournament, with Kyle Walker also making the cut.

Kyle Walker, the Manchester City defender, has been named in the UEFA Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament. Despite England reaching the final, Walker is the only player from the Three Lions squad to make the cut. The team was carefully selected by UEFA’s technical observers, which included former England manager Fabio Capello and other notable figures such as David Moyes, Rafael Benitez, Frank de Boer, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Walker played every minute of England’s campaign, helping them advance to the final in Berlin. The team had an unbeaten group stage run and secured narrow victories over Slovakia, Switzerland, and the Netherlands in the knockout rounds. Throughout the tournament, England conceded six goals and kept two clean sheets. Walker also earned his 90th international cap during the competition.

The goalkeeper chosen for the team is Mike Maignan from France. He beat out competition from England’s Jordan Pickford and Portuguese penalty hero Diogo Costa. Maignan’s France teammate William Saliba, along with Manuel Akanji from Switzerland and Marc Cucurella from Spain, make up the defensive line. Saliba played a crucial role in France’s defense, helping them keep three clean sheets. Akanji impressed with his performances for Switzerland, including their victory over Italy. Cucurella surprised many with his form at left-back.

The midfield trio consists of Rodri, Dani Olmo, and Fabian Ruiz, all from Spain. Rodri played every game except for the third group game due to suspension and even scored a goal against Georgia. Olmo was one of the standout stars of the tournament, finishing tied for the Golden Boot with three goals and two assists. Ruiz also made an impact with goals and assists in crucial games.

On the flanks, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams from Spain were selected. Yamal, at just 17 years old, became the youngest-ever goalscorer in the competition with a strike against France in the semi-final. Williams was equally impressive on the opposite flank, contributing with goals and assists. In the striker position, Jamal Musiala from Germany earned a spot with his exciting performances and three goals.

Overall, the UEFA Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament showcases the best players from the competition, with Walker being the sole representative from England despite their strong campaign.