Everyone says same thing as one England star makes it into Euros team of the tournament

England have only had one player included in the official UEFA team of the tournament at Euro 2024 despite reaching the final. The Three Lions lost 2-1 to Spain in Sunday’s final in Berlin, with Gareth Southgate’s men making it the showpiece event in back-to-back tournaments.

Manchester City full-back Kyle Walker, who was ever-present in the regulation 90 minutes in all seven matches at the tournament, was included in the finalised line-up with his highlight being a stellar display against the Netherlands in the semis.

But from a neutral’s perspective, there weren’t any other clear standouts to pick from the England team. Marc Guehi enjoyed a solid debut tournament with England, while Cole Palmer’s contributions – an assist against the Netherlands and goal from the bench against Spain – reiterated his obvious promise.

However, the star names in the England side, chiefly Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, attracted criticism for failing to hit the heights expected of them throughout the tournament.

Some even questioned Walker’s inclusion in the team after his error-strewn displays in the group stage.

One fan, @BelgianHotspur, wrote: “Walker has the most insane PR icl. He’s been washed for a while and he’s getting [GOAT] RB shouts, while the actual [GOAT] RB sits on the bench for England. In the team for his defending but over half the goals were his fault. And now he makes team of the tournament.”

Another fan @AaronCLerner, said: “Putting Kyle Walker in the Team of the Tournament makes me seriously question whether UEFA’s Technical Observer panel knows ball.”

But @patricantwi said: “Naaa walker was good this tournament.”

Spain, meanwhile, dominated the starting XI with no less than six La Roja players making the cut. Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella, who set up Mikel Oyarzabal’s late winner, took the left-back slot.

Rodri won the player of the tournament and was joined by fellow pass-masters Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz. In addition, 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal – who was named young player of the tournament – was accompanied by Williams and Germany’s Jamal Musiala.

Premier League clubs had the highest number of representatives with five, with Switzerland’s Manuel Akanji and France centre-back William Saliba joining Cucurella, Rodri and Walker. La Liga and the Bundesliga both had two players each, with Serie A and Ligue 1 also involved.

UEFA’s technical observer team was made up of 12 former players and current/former coaches including former England coach Fabio Capello, ex-Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez and previous Premier League coaches David Moyes, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Avram Grant, Frank de Boer and Aitor Karanka.

UEFA’s Team of the Tournament

Mike Maignan (France); Kyle Walker (England), Manuel Akanji (Switzerland), William Saliba (France), Marc Cucurella (Spain); Daniel Olmo (Spain), Rodri(Spain), Fabian Ruiz (Spain); Lamine Yamal (Spain), Jamal Musiala (Germany), Nico Williams (Spain).