EURO 2024: PICKING THE BEST ELEVEN FROM THE TOURNAMENT GROUP STAGE
The dust settled on the Group Stage at Euro 2024, and we can now look back on what an exciting and unpredictable first round it was in Germany.
Few would have seen Austria top their group ahead of France and the Netherlands, while Georgia, Romania and Slovenia would not have been fancied to get through to the knockout rounds.
While there still hasn't been a major exit from the tournament, the group stage still produced some shocks and some star names.
Here, then, is our best eleven from Euro 2024's Group Stage.
Giorgi Mamardashvilli (Georgia)
The Georgians have become the story of the early stages of Euro 2024, and Valencia's keeper has been one of the team's biggest heroes. No other goalie has made more saves than Mamardashvili, producing 21 stops to help Willy Sagnol's side, 11 of those in one game against Czechia - a new competition record. His performances across Georgia's three games helped the side reach the knockouts in their first major tournament.
Dani Carvajal (Spain)
What a month it's been for the Spanish full-back. Not content with scoring in the Champions League final to help Real Madrid win another European gong, the defender also notched in Spain's opening win over Croatia with his first-ever goal for his country. The victory also saw him keep a clean sheet against the Croats, a trick he repeated in the following game against Italy before being rested for the final group game. Utterly consistent as ever.
Marc Guehi (England)
Easily the standout performer for England in what's been an underwhelming display from Gareth Southgate's side. The Crystal Palace defender has outshone the array of attacking talent that England have to more than prove he was worthy of being chosen as John Stone's defensive partner. Together, the pair have only conceded one goal so far in the tournament, and Guehi has excelled in the centre of defence.
Riccardo Calafiori (Italy)
For someone who only made their international debut in the warm-up friendlies before the tournament began, Calafiort has taken to the scene with aplomb. The Bologna man started all three group games as Italy squeezed their way into the knockout rounds and he put in assured displays in each of them. His clever assist for Mattia Zaccagni's equaliser was the reason why the Italians progressed in the tournament.
Marc Cucurella (Spain)
Seen as purely a squad player before the tournament, the Chelsea defender has not only been first-choice in Spain's back four, but also the best left-back at the tournament so far. His relationship with Nico Williams down the left flank has been one of the team's deadliest outputs, and Cucurella has notched up clean sheets in both his outings in Germany.
N'Golo Kante (France)
No, don't adjust your screen. This isn't 2018, although watching Kante's performances makes it feel like nothing has changed since he starred in France's World Cup win. Many expected the midfielder to be a step behind, given he's now playing his club football in Saudi Arabia, but the two-time Premier League winner has rolled back the years and been Didier Deschamps's star pupil once again. Few can ignore that winning smile.
Marcel Sabitzer (Austria)
Once everyone got over completely forgetting that Sabitzer had a loan spell at Man United not too long ago, we've been allowed to watch one of the stars of the tournament so far. Austria have lived up to their 'dark horse' tag by topping their group above France and Netherlands, with the midfielder at the hub of everything. His sweet finish for the winner against the Dutch was the icing on the cake of some top performances thus far.
Toni Kroos (Germany)
The German legend is hell-bent on going out on the highest of high notes with his performances so far in the competition. The midfielder cruised through Germany's first two games like only he can and showed that despite announcing he's going to retire after the tournament, he could still perform at the top level for several years. He'll be key to where the hosts end up in the finals.
Jamal Musiala (Germany)
There has been plenty of young talent on display at the Euros, but none more so than for the hosts. Florin Wirtz opened the tournament with a goal against Scotland, but Musiala's shone brightest for the Germans. The 21-year-old Bayern star has been a joy to watch, notching two goals and nine dribbles across the group stage, with the threat of more to come in the knockout rounds.
Nico Williams (Spain)
Lamine Yamal has been impressive, but on the other flank, Nico Williams has arguably been the most exciting player in the tournament. His speed and trickery lit up Group B as he tormented the Italians and put himself on the radar of all Europe's top clubs. He's already stated he's staying at Atheltic Bilbao, but if he continues this form into the knockouts, they may be unable to afford to let him.
Georges Mikautadze (Georgia)
Not since Toto Schillaci and Oleg Salenko have we had such an unknown quantity make a claim for the Golden Boot at a major tournament than Georgia's frontman. Mikautadze has taken his club form for Ligue 2 Metz into the Euros and is currently outscoring all the tournament's superstars to lead the way with three goals and one assist to his name. Can his fairytale continue against the stubborn Spanish?
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