Euro 2012: Team of the week

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, Italy

I think the Italian ‘keeper was on top form against Spain in their 1-1 draw. He pulled off some vital saves that kept the Italian’s in the game, he looks as if he has carried his confidence from Serie A winners Juventus into the Euros.  Hopefully, he will carry on this fine form throughout the rest of the championship.

Right Back- Darijo Srna, Croatia

Many will disagree with me on this one, but I feel he had a very solid game in Croatia’s 3-1 victory against the Republic of Ireland. I think he played very, very well, I am well aware there are other worthy candidates, but Srna deserves to be recognised for his efforts, and he has made a name for himself.

Centre Back- Joleon Lescott, England

Lescott not only scored for England which earned them a 1-1 draw against France, but he was very impressive at centre half, making great clearances, headers and tackles, and for me was a standout candidate.

Centre Back- Pepe, Portugal

Pepe was very unfortunate when his shot hit the crossbar in their 1-0 defeat to the Germans, but his all-round defensive display should be credited.

In Portugal’s second group game, Pepe made a fantastic attacking run which resulted in him scoring his 3rd goal for the Portuguese.

Left Back- Yuri Zhirkov, Russia

His defensive work was superb in the Russians 4-1 mauling of Czech Republic. His defensive and attacking work rate was very good, and I was fairly impressed by him.

Right Midfield- Andrey Arshavin, Russia

He was in superb form for Russia in their first game, and really showed his critics why Arsenal actually bought him. It seems as if going back on loan to Zenit did wonders for Arshavin  as he seems to have found his sharpness and quality once more.

He managed to set up two of Russia’s four goals against the Czechs and he was great to watch.

Centre Midfield- Scott Parker, England

I thought Parker was absolutely outstanding for England against France which resulted in a 1-1 draw. His work rate and willingness to get on the ball was great to see, and the amount of blocks and interceptions he managed was very impressive.

He got a bit tired in the last 15 minutes, but he will be a key man if England are to succeed in Euro 2012. I was surprised to hear that the press thought he had a poor game, I am not really sure what game they were watching.

Centre Midfield- Andres Iniesta, Spain

He was key in Spain’s midfield against Italy, he kept drifting in from the left or the right, and made himself a problem for the defence. He was buzzing with energy throughout the game, and made some key passes for Spain.

Left Midfield- Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, England

At only 18 years of age, Oxlade-Chamberlain performed very well. He showed some incentive and willingness to attack, which was really great to see. Alex looks a very promising player, and if that performance was anything to go by, then England have a very good winger on their hands.

Striker- Andriy Shevchenko, Ukraine

Ukraine captain Shevchenko deserves to be in my team of the week after he scored two great headers, which sailed the Ukrainians to a 2-1 lead after coming from behind. The veteran is the most successful player to come out of Ukraine, and he was a joy to watch.

Striker- Antonio Di Natale, Italy

He came off the bench to send Italy in front against holders and world champions Spain. He was a fresh breath when he was introduced and was truly great to watch. He has the best strike ratio out of the Italian team.

After all the quality so far, all the places are close, but here is my sub bench.

Goalkeeper: Joe Hart (England)
Defender: Mats Hummels (Germany)
Midfield: MesutOzil (Germany)
Striker: Robert Lewandowski (Poland)

Written by Adam May
Follow me on Twitter @Amay132