The dust has settled on UEFA Euro 2024, and Baji999 brings you an exclusive deep dive into the official Team of the Tournament selections that have football fans buzzing worldwide. Three England stars – Raheem Sterling, Kyle Walker, and Harry Maguire – have earned their place among Europe’s elite, showcasing Gareth Southgate’s squad depth and tactical versatility throughout the competition.
Breaking Down UEFA’s Elite XI
UEFA‘s technical observer team, comprising 16 football luminaries including tactical masterminds and legendary players, has unveiled their dream team from this summer’s continental showdown. Champions Italy dominated the selections with five representatives, while runners-up England placed second with three inclusions – a testament to their impressive tournament run.
The complete Team of the Tournament features:
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy)
- Kyle Walker (England), Leonardo Bonucci (Italy), Harry Maguire (England), Leonardo Spinazzola (Italy)
- Jorginho (Italy), Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (Denmark), Pedri (Spain)
- Federico Chiesa (Italy), Romelu Lukaku (Belgium), Raheem Sterling (England)
England’s Standout Performers Analyzed
Raheem Sterling: England’s Attacking Catalyst
The Manchester City forward silenced his critics with a tournament-defining performance. Sterling’s three crucial goals (against Croatia, Czech Republic, and Germany) and decisive penalty win against Denmark showcased his evolution into England’s most dangerous attacking threat. His ability to perform under pressure transformed him from a club-level question mark to international superstar.
Kyle Walker: The Defensive Dynamo
At 34, Walker defied age with blistering pace and tactical intelligence. His seamless transition between right-back and right center-back roles provided Southgate with invaluable flexibility. Walker’s recovery speed became England’s secret weapon, neutralizing some of Europe’s fastest wingers throughout the competition.
Harry Maguire: The Comeback King
After missing England’s opening matches due to injury, Maguire’s return solidified the Three Lions’ defense. His aerial dominance and improved distribution from the back became key components of England’s tactical approach. As Baji999 tactical analyst Mark Thompson notes: “Maguire’s presence transformed England from solid to impregnable at set-pieces.”
Italy’s Dominance: A Tactical Masterclass
Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri claimed five spots in the elite XI, showcasing their balanced approach:
- Donnarumma: The tournament’s standout goalkeeper whose penalty heroics sealed Italy’s triumph
- Bonucci & Chiellini: The ageless defensive duo who neutralized Europe’s best attacks
- Jorginho: The midfield metronome who controlled games with his Chelsea-honed precision
- Chiesa: The explosive winger whose semifinal goal against Spain will be remembered for years
Emerging Stars and Tactical Trends
Euro 2024 confirmed several emerging trends in modern football:
- Versatility is king: Players like Walker who excel in multiple positions become invaluable
- Experience matters: The average age of selected defenders was 31, debunking the youth obsession
- Midfield controllers dominate: Pedri (21) and Jorginho (32) proved technical quality transcends age
Pedri’s maturity belied his 21 years, earning him a spot among Europe’s best
Baji999 Verdict: Fair or Controversial?
While UEFA‘s selection largely reflects tournament performances, several debates emerge:
- Was Kylian Mbappé’s absence justified after his penalty miss against Switzerland?
- Did Denmark’s Simon Kjær deserve recognition for leadership beyond football?
- Should England’s Declan Rice have featured after his midfield dominance?
As Baji999 head of analysis Sarah Williamson observes: “Tournament teams always spark debate, but this selection rewards consistency over flashy moments. The real winners are fans who witnessed these artists at work.”
Relive Euro 2024’s Defining Moments
From Christian Eriksen’s emotional return to Patrick Schick’s halfway-line wonder goal, Euro 2024 delivered unforgettable memories. While the Team of the Tournament honors individual excellence, the true beauty lay in the collective drama that captivated billions worldwide.
What’s your take on UEFA’s selections? Which players deserved inclusion? Join the conversation on Baji999 social platforms and share your dream XI from this unforgettable tournament.
