Spain
Spain are in trouble. 2008, 2010, and 2012 saw them lift trophies but the 2014 World Cup and this year’s Euros have seen them stutter and fail to meet their own high standards. They lost back-to-back European Championship games for the first time since the 80’s and apart from one performance against a disinterested Turkey side they never looked like they were in control of games.
It could be that world football has found Spain out; their system carried and served them well for a number of years but Del Bosque needs to now work out something new to compete.
Star man: Alvaro Morata
To be honest, Morata went missing against Italy so it’s difficult to give him this award. But he did score a brace against Turkey and was their only attacking outlet. Iniesta ran him close but goals are the most valued commodity in football so it must be rewarded. The boy has a future and will hopefully look at his positives from this tournament and build on that.
Best moment: Morata second goal vs Turkey.
Goals are hard to come by in international tournaments. And this seemed to set Spain up to kick on for the rest of the tournament. Some neat passing play and selflessness from Jordi Alba saw Morata get his first Spain hat trick and give Spain another 3 points.
Overall Grade: F
England
England have failed this tournament. There are no other words to describe it I’m afraid. Everyone expected England to turn Iceland over, especially since their performances as a team weren’t half bad in the group stages, they just needed to find their shooting boots. However, the trend continued against Iceland in the round of 16.
Star man: Eric Dier
To be honest, did anyone deserve to be recognised for their performance? Not particularly. Kyle Walker was close for his group stage performances but his defensive error for Iceland’s second goal pushed him down the pecking order.
But Eric Dier gave England hope for the tournament with a stunning free kick against Russia; unfortunately, the rest of his team took no confidence from that piece of magic and refused to find the net consistently afterwards. The boy is a talent; for England to try and rely on him is unfair.
Best moment: Daniel Sturridge goal Vs Wales.
To score a winner in the last minutes of a tournament match is always a thrilling moment in football. England were well deserving off their win against Wales and I genuinely thought it was a turning point for their tournament. It just turned into yet another false start, however. Take nothing away from Sturridge in this goal, however, he took it well and added to his tally.
Overall Grade - F
