Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: England, Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate, Kyle Walker, Spain, UEFA, Fan Reactions
Rory O'Callaghan
Topics: England, Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate, Kyle Walker, Spain, UEFA, Fan Reactions
Only one England player has made UEFA's official team of the tournament for Euro 2024 and the pick has certainly surprised fans.
England reached their second consecutive European Championship final on Sunday, only for the Three Lions to suffer heartbreak yet again.
Gareth Southgate's side were beaten 2-1 by Spain in Berlin, with the England manager resigning from his role in the wake of the defeat.
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It is a fourth Euros title for Spain, who celebrated their victory with a huge parade in Madrid on Monday.
UEFA has now named its official team of the tournament, and the selected XI has thrown up a major surprise.
Only one England player has made the team - Manchester City defender Kyle Walker.
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His selection has raised eyebrows, with Walker not at his best in Germany and arguably at fault for both of Spain's goals in the final.
Newly-crowned champions Spain had six players included in the team; Marc Cucurella, Dani Olmo, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.
France's Mike Maignan and William Saliba also made the XI, as did Swiss defender Manuel Akanji and Germany's Jamal Musiala.
But it was the selection of Walker that has got fans talking on social media.
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"Objectively speaking that is hilarious," posted one England fan on X.
Another added: "Walker should be nowhere near that team."
While a third wrote: "Did they watch the tournament? Walker was our worst defender."
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UEFA's team of the tournament was decided by a series of technical observers who attended each game at the Euros.
These observers included former England manager Fabio Capello, ex-West Ham boss David Moyes and former Liverpool and Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez among others.
"They analysed proceedings from a coaching perspective and selected the Player of the Match for each game," explained UEFA.
"Team of the Tournament features a recognisable formation that reflects the prominent tactical trends throughout the tournament, with an outstanding player chosen for each position.
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"A player's individual performances and impact on their team are considered by the technical observers when making their decision."