Only One England Player Picked in UEFA’s Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament – And It’s Sparking Outrage
Updated: 13:39 16 Jul 2024 GMT+1 – Published: 13:38 16 Jul 2024 GMT+1
England’s Euro 2024 campaign may have ended in heartbreak, but the selection of their sole player in UEFA’s official team of the tournament is also causing controversy.
Kyle Walker, Manchester City’s right-back, is the only English player to make the cut, despite a shaky campaign which saw him at fault for both of Spain’s goals in the final.
Joining Walker in the team of the tournament are six Spanish players, including Manchester City’s Marc Cucurella, Dani Olmo, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Lamine Yamal, and Nico Williams. France’s Mike Maignan and William Saliba, Switzerland’s Manuel Akanji, and Germany’s Jamal Musiala also made the cut.
Needless to say, the selection of Walker has sparked outrage among fans and pundits alike. "Objectively speaking, that is hilarious," tweeted one English fan. "Walker should be nowhere near that team," added another.
The outrage is understandable, given Walker’s performances at the tournament. He was at fault for several key moments, including the opener for Spain in the final. His defending was also criticized throughout the competition, with some fans calling for him to be benched.
UEFA’s team of the tournament was decided by a panel of technical observers, including former England boss Fabio Capello, West Ham’s David Moyes, and Liverpool and Chelsea’s Rafa Benitez. The observers analyzed each game from a coaching perspective and selected the Player of the Match for each fixture.
"The team of the tournament features a recognizable formation that reflects the prominent tactical trends throughout the tournament, with an outstanding player chosen for each position," explained UEFA. "A player’s individual performances and impact on their team are considered by the technical observers when making their decision."
Will this selection spark a revolution in English football? Is Walker’s inclusion a massive mistake? Let us know your thoughts! Follow us on all social media platforms for more updates and analysis on the English national team.