Top three English players who impressed at Euro 2024

Kobbie Mainoo has been a revelation since he has come on to the side.

Despite their mixed-bag performances throughout the summer, Gareth Southgate’s England are all set to lock horns with Spain in the Euro 2024 final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.

On their route to the final, the Three Lions finished the group stage phase as Group C table-toppers, beating the likes of Serbia and getting draws against Denmark and Slovenia in the process.

During the decisive knockout stages, England narrowly edged past underdogs Slovakia in the round of 16 by registering a 2-1 comeback win courtesy of crucial goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. This was followed by a thrilling 1-1 (5-3) penalty shootout win against dark horse Switzerland in a nerve-wracking quarterfinal contest. In the semifinal stage, the Three Lions toppled the Netherlands to complete a 2-1 comeback win, all thanks to super sub Ollie Watkins’ last-minute winner to book their place in the final.

With all that said, here are the top three English players who impressed at Euro 2024:

Kobbie Mainoo

Ever since his permanent introduction into the starting lineup of the Three Lions, Kobbie Mainoo has proven to be a revelation in the midfield, with his composed performances guiding England all the way to the Euro 2024 final.

After the failed midfield experimentation with the likes of Trent Alexander Arnold and Conor Gallagher in the first half of the tournament, Gareth Southgate finally opted to go with Mainoo to partner Declan Rice in the centre of the park and has ever since seamlessly fit into the side, putting in flawless displays throughout the knockout stages.

The elite ability to control the tempo of play, distribute the ball effectively, and even win tackles defensively makes the 19-year-old Manchester United sensation an incredible all-round midfielder. Kobbie Mainoo also delivered a man-of-the-match display against the Netherlands in the semifinals to further reinstate his importance in the England setup.

Marc Guehi

One of the unsung heroes in England’s route to the final has undoubtedly been defender Marc Guehi, who has consistently delivered top-notch performances throughout the tournament.

Playing in his first major international competition for England, coupled with replacing the ever-reliable Harry Maguire in the backline, was no easy task, but Guehi took this massive opportunity with both hands and has been a rock-solid figure in a stellar England defence this summer.

Having missed just one match through suspension, the 24-year-old centre-back has been a big part of the Three Lions’ success this Euro, contributing crucial clean sheets and helping the team successfully transition from defence to attack with his strong passing range. Marc Guehi’s consistency and reliability have been integral to England’s journey to the finals.

Bukayo Saka

Ever since his nightmare penalty miss during the Euro 2020 final loss to Italy, Bukayo Saka has come a very long way, silencing his critics through his incredible performances this summer. A mainstay figure in Gareth Southgate’s setup, Saka has displayed amazing tactical flexibility in his game while continuing to be a creative force for his side.

After starting the tournament in his natural position on the right wing, Saka seamlessly transitioned into his new right wing-back role when England shifted to a back-five shape in defence, showcasing his elite defensive work ethic in the process while still being the main attacking threat on the right flank.

Bukayo Saka’s standout performance of the campaign came against Switzerland in the quarterfinals, when he scored a stellar equalizer and also netted a crucial penalty during the penalty shootout win, for which he was deservedly awarded the Man of the Match.

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