Euro 2020 has been a sensational tournament to date, with a plethora of brilliant individual displays and collective excellence.
With the tournament now at the semi-final stage, it seems a good time to highlight those players still in the competition who have stood out this summer.
Here is our team of the tournament, with this 4-3-3 featuring stars from all four remaining sides.
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford (England): Previously seen as a divisive figure due to his inconsistency at Everton, Gareth Southgate’s faith in Pickford has been rewarded with some stunning displays over the last three weeks.
The 27-year-old is yet to concede in 450 tournament minutes and is the first goalkeeper ever to keep clean sheets in his first five European Championship matches. England are 27/20 to again win to zero on Wednesday against Denmark.
Right-back: Kyle Walker (England): Another Three Lions star who has not always been popular with the public, Walker has excelled during the current tournament.
The Manchester City man was absent for the 0-0 draw against Scotland, the only game England have failed to win, and has also demonstrated his versatility by featuring as a central defender.
Centre-back: Simon Kjaer (Denmark): A top player for a decade, Kjaer’s leadership during a tough group stage for Denmark stood out.
The AC Milan defender has been a rock at the back for his country, guiding them through the trauma of Christian Eriksen’s departure against Finland to become his team’s talisman and his influence will be crucial if the 9/1 Danes are to win a second European crown.
Centre-back: Giorgio Chiellini (Italy): In a similar vein to Kjaer, Italy’s captain Chiellini’s injury absence against Wales and Austria proved just how vital he is to his country.
The 36-year-old returned for the 2-1 quarter-final win over Belgium and was exceptional. No other player celebrates preventing a goal with such enthusiasm as the Juventus stalwart and his side’s 6/4 chances of beating Spain on Tuesday are sure to have improved with him back fit and fighting.
Left-back: Leonardo Spinazzola (Italy): However, the Azzurri’s 11/5 hopes of winning Euro 2020 have been dented by the Achilles injury suffered by Spinazzola against the Belgian.
Right footed players don’t always thrive on the opposite side but the Roma star ran his flank with aplomb, exploiting the space vacated by Lorenzo Insigne ahead of him and his absence is sure to be felt.
Defensive midfield: Kalvin Phillips (England): Comfortable either side of the ball, Phillips’ midfield partnership with Declan Rice has been tremendous for 6/4 outright favourites, England.
Quarter finals here we come!! Unbelievably proud of this team
I’ve missed atmospheres like that! Next stop.. Rome #Euro2020
pic.twitter.com/ps8M4DNGG5
— Kalvin Phillips (@Kalvinphillips) June 29, 2021
Central midfield: Nicolo Barella (Italy): The first of two baby-faced midfielders, Barella has carried his form that helped Inter Milan win their first Scudetto since 2010 into the Euros.
At 24, Barella’s energy and quality on the ball is excellent, while he also demonstrated his eye for goal by netting in the win over Belgium.
Central midfield: Pedri (Spain): Just 18, Pedri’s performances at the Euros have been fabulous, with him forming a brilliant midfield trio alongside the experienced duo of Sergio Busquets and Koke.
With 61 games on the clock for the season, the Barcelona teenager shows no signs of slowing down and Spain, 41/20 to beat Italy, will need him to fire if they are to reach Sunday’s final.
Right-winger: Pablo Sarabia (Spain): Every tournament has a surprise star and Sarabia arguably falls into the category after spending much of the season with Paris Saint-Germain on the bench before fulfilling a similar role for La Roja early on at the Euros.
Impressive cameos against Sweden and Poland earned him a starting role and he rewarded Luis Enrique’s faith by scoring in the victories over Slovakia and Croatia. The 29-year-old is an injury doubt for Tuesday’s Wembley showdown against the Azzurri and will be a huge miss if he doesn’t recover from his muscular issue.
Left-winger: Raheem Sterling (England): Another player whose selection for England’s opener against Croatia divided opinion, Sterling has been brilliant for the Three Lions during the Euros.
Playing in his fourth major tournament, the winger has come into his own and his three goals and an assist mean he is well in the running to be named the player of the tournament, with him leading the market at 10/3.
Centre forward: Harry Kane (England): A sluggish start saw Kane substituted against Scotland but the England captain has come to life since and peaked in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Ukraine.
The 27-year-old has scored three times in his last two games and is 7/5 in the anytime goalscorer market against Denmark.
Euro 2020 – Best XI from the four semi-finalists (4-3-3): Pickford; Walker, Kjaer, Chiellini, Spinazzola; Barella, Phillips, Pedri; Sarabia, Kane, Sterling.
*All odds correct at time of writing
