Kylian Mbappe? Kevin De Bruyne? Cristiano Ronaldo? Well, none of them, actually. This wasn’t a tournament where the biggest names shone — in fact the two best collectives, Italy and England, went all the way.
But they were still led by a number of outstanding individual performances, from Raheem Sterling terrifying opposition defences to Leonardo Spinazzola announcing himself on the big stage before a horrible injury ended his Euros early.
Here, I pick my best XI from a thrilling tournament — and England lead the way with five selections, while fellow finalists Italy have four.
Raheem Sterling made himself undroppable. Player of the tournament? Sure, why not.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Goalkeeper, Italy
Donnarumma’s been a huge presence in goal at this tournament. The 22-year-old didn’t concede in the group stages, and he saved the penalty taken by Spain’s Alvaro Morata to get into the final.
England’s Jordan Pickford has kept the most clean sheets, largely thanks to a sturdy defence in front of him. But Donnarumma made a great contribution to his team and he’s done it while a move to Paris Saint-Germain is bubbling in the background.
Kyle Walker
Right back, England
There isn’t a better right back out there. Walker has spent this tournament showcasing his searing pace, like when Thomas Muller broke through for Germany. The Manchester City full back knows when to turn on turbo-speed.
Against Denmark in the semi-final, Walker displayed his dominance over Joakim Maehle, the left wing-back who enjoyed a fine Euro 2020. En route to last night’s final, the statistics say not a single player managed to dribble past Walker in 480 minutes of action.
There isn't a better right back in football than Kyle Walker, who can turn on the turbo speed
John Stones
Centre back, England
The return of Harry Maguire helped England reach last night’s showdown with Italy. But Stones has been an ever-present in Gareth Southgate’s back line. This time last year, Stones was being told he had to leave Manchester City to rejuvenate his career. If he didn’t, he might not make it to Euro 2020, some reports said.
How wrong we all were! Stones won over Pep Guardiola and made it into the Premier League Team of the Year. He’s made my team, too.
Giorgio Chiellini
Centre back, Italy
The smiling assassin. He’ll give you a cuddle and a kiss on the cheek before kick-off, followed by an elbow to the belly when you’re wrestling for the ball at a corner. At 36, Chiellini plays every game as if it’s his last.
The Juventus centre back retired after Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup but changed his mind. Italy are glad he did, because he’s a big reason why they reached last night’s final.
Chris Sutton's team of Euro 2020 has five England players and four Italians playing 4-3-3
Leonardo Spinazzola
Left-back, Italy
The Roma left back was cruelly denied an appearance in the semi-final and final after rupturing his achilles. Up until that accident during Italy’s quarter-final victory against Belgium, he had been a standout performer of this competition.
Luke Shaw has been
