Euro 2024 best XI of Group stage – 2 Barca players feature

The Group stage of Euro 2024 is now over with eight teams crashing out and 16 progressing to the knockout rounds.

Here’s Tribuna.com’s best XI of the Group stage.

Goalkeeper – Jan Oblak (Slovenia)

Thanks to Atleti’s Jan Oblak, Slovenia did not lose a game in their three group games despite facing teams with ferocious attackers like Serbia and England. Oblak even managed a clean sheet against England.

Right-back – Kyle Walker (England)

England were boring and drab in their run to the round of 16 picking up just 5 points to top the group. However, Kyle Walker was brilliant at right fullback on for the Lions.

Left-back – Riccardo Calafiori (Italy)

Riccardo Calafiori scored an own goal against Spain but the Bologna defender was imperious for Italy. His late assist against Croatia signifies why he’s among the most-watched defenders at the tournament.

Left-centre-back – William Saliba (France)

France have not overly impressed at the Euros but the same cannot be said of William Saliba. The Arsenal man has been solid holding the rearguard and ensuring that Les Blues remains unbeaten.

Right-centre-back – Le Normand (Spain)

Spain’s defence have been a joy to watch this summer. Their passing and progressive style have captivated Europe. It’s why they are the only team with a 100 per cent record. Robin Le Normand is easily their most outstanding defender just ahead of Marc Cucurella.

Defensive midfielder – N’Golo Kante (France)

N’Golo Kante has rolled back the years with France. The midfielder has been playing in Saudi Arabia but could walk into any top team in the world based on his performances so far.

Central midfielder – Stanislav Lobotka (Slovakia)

Xavi called Stanislav Lobotka his favourite player at Napoli and we’re now seeing one at the Euros. Like Kante, the Slovakian midfielder has been named Man of the Match in two of the three games he’s played.

Attacking midfielder – Pedri (Spain)

Pedri is the best attacking midfielder in the tournament after the first two games. Pedri is back, full stop. However, there’s a shout for Gundogan who has also carried Germany with Musiala.

Left-winger – Nico Williams (Spain)

Nico Williams has become the talk of everyone at Europe with some super performances for Spain. Barca fans online have been screaming their lungs out for their club to sign him.

Right-winger – Lamine Yamal (Spain)

Lamine Yamal has induced flair, skill and creativity in the Euros. Yamal’s excellence outshines former Barca winger Ousmane Dembele who has been just average for France.

Striker – Niclas Fullkrug (Germany)

Niclas Fullkrug is not a starter for Germany but somehow he’s their joint top scorer with two goals. The Dortmund striker is a proper striker, strong, ruthless in front of goal and unplayable in the air.

Here’s the team on paper: