The Euro 2020 group stage has lived up to expectations and produced some fantastic performances from across the continent. Italy, Belgium and Netherlands have all been hugely impressive and come away with perfect records while the group of death has provided some wonderful drama. There have been plenty of eye-catching performances throughout the 36 games and here is our Man’s Life Team of the Group Stage.
GK: Robin Olsen (Sweden)
Robin Olsen has been outstanding in goal for Sweden, helping them keep 2 clean-sheets in 3 games in the group phase. The Everton goalkeeper has a save percentage of 81% so far in the tournament and is one of the main reasons why Sweden finished at the top of their group.
RB: Denzel Dumfries (Netherlands)
Denzel Dumfries has taken the tournament by storm for the Netherlands and has been a potent attacking force for the Dutch, scoring two goals from right wing-back in the groups. Dumfries has actually racked up 1.9 xG so far in the tournament, which is more than what strikers such as Lukaku, Lewandowski and Harry Kane have managed.
CB: Leonardo Bonucci (Italy)
Leonardo Bonucci has been a rock at the back for Italy, helping the Azzuri keep three clean-sheets in all three of their group games in the tournament.
CB: David Alaba (Austria)
David Alaba has been hugely impressive for Austria in the tournament and has carried them to the knockout stages with his performances. The Real Madrid defender has played the quarterback role for Austria this summer, providing two assists and registering the most key passes in the tournament.
LB: Leonardo Spinazzola (Italy)
Leonardo Spinazzola has been excellent for Italy this summer and has played a vital role for Roberto Mancini’s side at left-back, providing 1 assist and helping the Azzuri keep their perfect record in defence.
CM: Paul Pogba (France)
Paul Pogba has come to life for France at Euro 2020 and has thrived alongside his midfield partner N’Golo Kante. The Frenchman has played the most through balls amongst all the players in the tournament and was arguably the best player on the pitch in France’s encounters versus Germany and Portugal.
CM: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Denmark)
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has carried his club form for Tottenham into the European Championships and has been incredibly impressive for Denmark in the group stage. Hojbjerg has been as solid as ever defensively and has also taken over some of the creative duties in the absence of Christian Eriksen, ending the group stages with the most assists (3).
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum (Netherlands)
Georginio Wijnaldum has displayed his tactical versatility at Euro 2020 and has starred in a different role for the Netherlands compared to the job he used to do for Liverpool. Wijnaldum’s attacking instincts have been unleashed with the national team and has been excellent as an attacking midfielder for Holland, scoring three goals so far in the tournament with his late runs into the box.
RW: Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)
Romelu Lukaku has continued his outstanding form for Belgium at Euro 2020, scoring three goals in the group stages. Lukaku has dominated opposition defenders with his pace and power and is one of the main reasons why the Red Devils have enjoyed a perfect start to the tournament.
ST: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy age and create history and is currently the top-scorer at Euro 2020 with five goals. With these five strikes, Ronaldo has become the highest goal-scorer in European Championship history and has also equalled Ali Daei’s record for the most goals in international football.
LW: Emil Forsberg (Sweden)
Sweden have been the surprise package of the tournament so far, finishing in front of Spain and topping Group E. One of the main reasons for their form at Euro 2020 is the form of Emil Forsberg, who has scored three goals in the group stages.
[Image Credit: UEFA Euro 2020]
Shivaan Shah