The UEFA Euro 2016 tournament promises to be one of the most exciting ever with 24 teams set to take part for the first time ever after the competition was expanded from the regular 16-team format used for the past five editions.
We have picked a combined XI from the 552 players expected to take part at this tournament which, as you can imagine, is no easy task.
Did we get it right?
Manuel Neuer – Goalkeeper – Germany
It is hard to look past Manuel Neuer when selecting a goalkeeper for this team. The 30-year-old continues to impress for Bayern Munich with an outstanding 20 clean sheets in 34 Bundesliga matches last season. His presence between the sticks will surely increase his side’s chances of winning the trophy.
Hector Bellerin – Right-back – Spain
Bellerin will be making his first appearance at a major tournament after an impressive season at Arsenal. The 21-year-old has matured at right-back since breaking into the first team last year and was a crucial part of the Gunners’ defensive and attacking play last season.
Toby Alderweireld – Centre-back – Belgium
The Belgium international had a magnificent season with Tottenham Hotspur last year as they qualified for the Champions League for the first time since 2010. His consistency at the back was one of the key reasons why Spurs had the joint best defence in the Premier League last season.
Andrea Barzagli – Centre-back – Italy
Barzagli’s presence in the Juventus defence is part of the reason they conceded only 20 goals in the league last year. A mainstay for both club and country, the 35-year-old may well prove to be one of Italy’s most important players at this tournament.
David Alaba – Left-back – Austria
The 23-year-old was ever-present in Bayern’s successful 2015-16 campaign and he is expected to play a pivotal role for the Wunderteam in their second appearance at this tournament. His versatility, in particular, will be a key asset for Marcel Koller’s side.
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Sergio Busquets – Central-midfield – Spain
Busquets is a vital cog in Spain’s national side and it should not surprise anyone that he walks into the team. He is not the most beautiful player to watch, but his tenacity in midfield gives the players in front of him freedom to shine.
N’Golo Kante – Central-midfield – France
Kante, 25, was one of the outstanding players in Leicester City’s fairytale Premier League success in 2015- 16. The Frenchman was exceptional in midfield with a multitude of commanding performances and fully deserved his place in the PFA team of the year. He is one to watch in this tournament.
Paul Pogba – Central-midfield – France
Pogba’s performances over the last few seasons have made him a transfer target for the world’s biggest clubs and he will need to be at his best if France hope to get to the latter stages of this tournament. Last season, the 23-year-old racked up eight goals and 12 assists in the Serie A alone.
Antoine Griezmann – Right-wing – France
Atletico’s Griezmann takes the right-wing spot in our pre-tournament combined XI after his 32 goals (all competitions) took Diego Someone’s men to the edge of European glory. They lost on penalties to Real but he will hope for a more successful ending to this tournament with Les Bleus.
Robert Lewandowski – Striker – Poland
While Englishmen Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane have strong cases for inclusion, it is hard to pick either of them over Polish striker Lewandowski whose 30 league goals fired Bayern to their fourth consecutive Bundesliga title.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Left-wing – Portugal
Ronaldo was yet again the star of the season for Real Madrid as they stormed to their 11th Champions League crown. As well as scoring a record 16 goals in Europe’s premier club competition, the 31-year-old also notched 35 goals in La Liga bringing his total to 51 for the season. He will hope to propel his team to the latter stages of the tournament this time around after a disappointing showing at the last World Cup.
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