The Euro 2020 come to an end with a disappointing night for England, after failing to overcome Italy in the final on penalties. The Three Lions have created history despite losing the final. They have now reached the final of a major competition for the first time since 1966.
Italy clinched their second European title, after winning it for the first time back in 1968. With this victory, the Azzurri are now six major trophy winners, with four World Cup triumphs. Italy have seen the renaissance under Roberto Mancini, having missed out on qualification in World Cup 2018.
Following the conclusion of the competition, few players have stood out in this tournament and caught the attention of the world. We are going to discuss those players.
Top five players of the Euro 2020:
5. Mikkel Damsgaard (Denmark):
The 21-year-old has come from nowhere and became one of the best players in this competition. Following the heartbreaking incident with Christian Eriksen, the Sampdoria man was allowed to showcase his talent and he grabbed the opportunity brilliantly.
Damsgaard scored two spectacular goals in this competition and showed relentless energy while pressing. The attacking-minded midfielder has helped a depleted Kasper Hjulmand’s side onto a great run up to the semi-final, despite losing the first two games.
4. Patrick Schick (Czech Republic):
The Bayer Leverkusen forward had lost his way in recent seasons. He struggled to score goals during his Roma days and also at Leipzig. But, he found his feet in this year’s European Championship with five goals.
With his great performance, the Czechs reached the quarter-final after beating the Netherlands in the previous round. He scored one of the iconic goals of this competition’s history from the centre circle against Scotland and registered himself into the record books.
3. Luke Shaw (England):
The Manchester United man is finally showing his potential. He suffered a career-ending injury during his early days at Old Trafford and has been struggling to showcase his talent since. But, finally, under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer he has found his feet at the club last season.
Shaw carried his domestic form forward to the Euro 2020. Gareth Southgate did not choose the 26-year-old in the first game against Croatia but the Englishman has reserved the left-back spot since. He assisted three times in the competition and scored one in the final.
Shaw has shown his qualities defensively in the past but his ability going forward has made him one of the best players in this competition. He created four big chances in this competition which is the third-highest and as many as Kevin De Bruyne.
2. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy):
It is not very familiar to see a goalkeeper on these lists. But, his impact on the reigning European Champions is unforgettable. The goalkeeper is currently without a club after running down the contract with Milan and reports are suggesting that he might join PSG.
However, his display in the back to back shoot-outs in the semi-final and final has given him the place on this list, he also became the player of this competition. He saved four penalties out of ten and conceded only four.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal):
The 36-year-old veteran is still showcasing his class on the biggest stage. Portugal was eliminated in the round of 16 but still, he became the highest scorer in this competition. Ronaldo was equalled with Schick with five goals but the Portuguese made one assist which earned him the golden boot award for Euro 2020.
Special mentions:
Leonardo Spinazzola (Italy): The Italian left-back was one of the best players in the competition but sustaining Achilles tendon rupture against Belgium was extremely unfortunate.
Raheem Sterling (England): The winger was one of the best players in England and also the highest goal contributor for the Three Lions.
