The Euro 2024 final may not have been special for the neutral, however, six players who played in it make it into Gabby Agbonlahor’s team of the tournament.
Spain are European champions for a record fourth time and it’s four of their stars who make it into Agbonlahor’s team, while two from the Three Lions contingent also make it.
England were sound defensively for Euro 2024 and Agbonlahor has picked goalkeeper Jordan Pickford as well as centre-back Marc Guehi.
But further up the pitch the team is dominated by La Roja players with Rodri – named Player of the Tournament by UEFA, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, who was awarded Young Player of the Tournament, and Nico Williams also making the cut.
Why did these guys make it into the line-up and who else was selected? talkSPORT host Agbonlahor takes us through his ultimate Euro 2024 XI as fans wait for the official UEFA Team to be unveiled.
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford (England)
Gabby’s verdict: “He was the hero in a penalty shootout and throughout the tournament, he’s made important saves.
“Even against the Netherlands in the semi-final, that save from Virgil van Dijk in the second half was really important.
“His play from the back has been very good, as have his leadership qualities.”
Pickford was also impressive in the final, making key saves to keep England in the game and came out with credit in Adrian Durham’s final player ratings.
Left-back: Marc Cucurella (Spain)
Gabby’s verdict: “Left-back is a tough one. But when it really mattered, Cucurella looked strong, aggressive and good on the ball, showing the form that he had at Brighton.
“Chelsea should be looking forward to seeing that. He’s looked very good.”
His cross lead to Spain’s winner and he has made the most of victory by firing back at his critics, such as Gary Neville.
Right-back: Jules Kounde (France)
Gabby’s verdict: “I can’t just pick players from teams that were in the final. Kounde is way better than I thought he was. Nobody has gone past him.
“He’s used his pace, been aggressive, and been decent on the ball. I felt like he was really part of a strong French defence all tournament.”
Centre-back: Marc Guehi (England)
Gabby’s verdict: “He was unlucky to be suspended for the quarter-finals, but apart from that, he’s been probably England’s player of the tournament.
“We were worried about Harry Maguire and how we were going to be weak defensively, but Guehi… he’s been strong, aggressive, calm and composed on the ball, quick, and he’s dealt with everything he’s needed to apart from at one hiccup. He’s been outstanding.”
Centre-back: William Saliba (France)
Gabby’s verdict: “It was close. I was going to put Aymeric Laporte. But I think Saliba… he’s done nothing wrong.
“He’s the 2024 Rio Ferdinand for me. He’s been outstanding. Rolls-Royce on the ball, aggressive, strong, the way he dealt with Lukaku in the last-16 game and all tournament, no one’s really got the better of him.”
Midfield: Rodri (Spain) (Captain)
Gabby’s verdict: “This player is the best midfielder I’ve seen in years. Rodri’s been outstanding and what he does in that midfield… His footballing brain is the best I’ve seen in years.
“He runs games. He’s aggressive. He’s very good on the ball. Short passes, long passes. He can score a goal, like he scored against Georgia.
“He can control the tempo of a game. He is just top, top, top.”
Rodri, the best player of Euro 2024 where victory meant it was 474 days without loss in a Spain shirt, will be one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or.
Midfield: Dani Olmo (Spain)
Gabby’s verdict: “He’s been outstanding. Not many people knew much about him because he’s at RB Leipzig, but he can find space in that number 10 role and make things happen.
“He’s come up with big, big goals. His goal against France was outstanding. Two quick touches and then smashes it into the corner. Outstanding player.”
In the final, it was also his defensive skills that kept Spain in it as his dramatic goal line clearance ensured his nation stayed 2-1 in front. He celebrated that as hard as his goals.
Midfield: Jamal Musiala (Germany)
Gabby’s verdict: “He’s a top, top talent. He’s going to be part of a German team that will get better and better year after year.
“He’s fearless. He gets on the ball in a number 10 position on the left or the right. He wants to take players on. How annoying is it that he could have played for England?”
Forward: Lamine Yamal (Spain)
Gabby’s verdict: “He’s been outstanding, this tournament. After Adrien Rabiot’s comments as well… to go out against France and show them up, he’s made of the big stuff.
“The way floats past players at the age of 16… He’s been outstanding.”
Yamal was 16 when the tournament started and turned 17 the day before the final, which saw him win the best young player of Euro 2024.
The youngest player to appear in a Euro or World Cup final, he set up Williams’ goal and then got too carried away in an Instagram live celebratory video that caught a few of his teammates naked and off-guard.
Forward: Nico Williams (Spain)
Gabby’s verdict: “He’s 21, but he’s shown experience. He’s quick, strong, aggressive and wants the ball in pressurised situations.
“I think he’s been outstanding as well.”
The scorer in the final, there will be a battle among Europe’s elite players to prize him away from Athletic Bilbao.
Forward: Cody Gakpo (Netherlands)
Gabby’s verdict: “I feel like Gakpo showed this tournament why Liverpool bought him.
“He’s dangerous running with the ball. Yes, he was quiet against England, but I think the whole tournament, with three goals… He showed that he’s a top, top player and one that I want to shine this season with Liverpool.”