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Padraig Whelan·29 June 2021
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Padraig Whelan·29 June 2021
England ended their tournament hoodoo against Germany, while Ukraine broke Sweden’s hearts in the final minute of extra-time to set up a quarter-final showdown in Rome.
Here is the best XI from day 19.
It wasn’t a standout day for goalkeepers but the Everton man made vital and impressive saves to keep out Timo Werner and Kai Havertz when the game was scoreless to set his side up for victory.
At times, it was a slog of a shift, particularly as Emil Forsberg and co. saw fit to double up on him but on the whole, he coped well with the challenge and battened down the hatches to keep Sweden quiet for the last hour of play.
A rock at the back for Gareth Southgate’s side, his presence has made a side who didn’t concede a goal in the group stage even more formidable. Didn’t give Timo Werner or Kai Havertz a sniff.
Although he ended up on the losing side, had several key defensive interventions – none more so than the outrageously well-timed last gasp slide tackle to deny Harry Kane in the first half.
Outstanding in his left wing-back role, put a perfect cross in for Raheem Sterling to open the scoring and then powerfully won possession back before charging up field to tee up the crucial second. Penny for José Mourinho’s thoughts …
Yet again, he was everywhere. He continually ground down German attacks on the break when attackers attempted to turn into space, only to be met with the Leeds enforcer. Won the midfield battle against some of the game’s finest.
Another game, another goal for the RB Leipzig man, becoming the first Swede to score in three straight tournament games since 1994 and he could have had a hat-trick, only for the woodwork to deny him twice. Everything his team do well flows through his equally-talented feet.
Perhaps shoehorned in a little but he deserves his place. It was between the versatile Man City man and the excellent Albin Ekdal of Sweden for the final midfield spot but he gets the nod by virtue of that well-taken goal.
Oh how he has turned on the style this summer. Worthy of his inclusion for that delicious outside-of-the-boot assist for the game’s opener in Glasgow alone. One of the passes of the tournament.
Another position where we are getting creative but the Chelsea man impressed with his movement and passing and his close control under pressure was exceptional on a tough night. Could have had two assists if the men he provided had finished better and brought a super save out of Pickford with a stinging volley.
He’s been England’s go-to man in attack in this tournament and didn’t let them down again, capping off a tireless performance with yet another goal this summer. He’s loving playing in his old back garden.