RANKING THE 5 BEST DEFENDERS FROM EURO 2020

5

KYLE WALKER (ENGLAND)

IMAGE CREDITS: GETTY

Kyle Walker was immense for England at Euro 2020. The Manchester City full-back began the tournament as a right centre-back in a back three, but was also deployed as a right wing-back on occasion by England manager Gareth Southgate.

IMAGE CREDITS: GETTY

The 31-year-old has arguably been one of the best right-backs in the Premier League over the years, but is often underrated by fans and pundits. His pace, physicality and ability to carry the ball forward make him one of the best modern full-backs in the world.

IMAGE CREDITS: GETTY

4

AYMERIC LAPORTE (SPAIN)

IMAGE CREDITS: GETTY

It is baffling to think that a defender of Aymeric Laporte's quality never made an appearance for the French national team. Despite playing 51 times for France at youth level, Laporte changed his nationality to Spain before Euro 2020, a process that was approved by FIFA.

IMAGE CREDITS: GETTY

The Manchester City star has been one of the most impressive centre-backs in the Premier League in recent years. Laporte put in a number of incredible displays for Spain and helped them reach the Euro 2020 semi-finals, where they lost on penalties to eventual champions Italy.

IMAGE CREDITS: GETTY

3

LEONARDO SPINAZZOLA (ITALY)

IMAGE CREDITS: GETTY

Leonardo Spinazzola was one of the breakout stars of Euro 2020. The left-back's speed and tactical discipline allowed him to provide cover for the older and less agile Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini. He won the Man of the Match award in Italy's 3-0 victory over Turkey in Euro 2020.

IMAGE CREDITS: GETTY

Spinazzola also won the Man of the Match award in Italy's 2-1 victory over Austria in the Round of 16. He was one of Italy's standout players at Euro 2020, and provided two assists before being forced off with a ruptured Achilles tendon in Italy's 2-1 win over Belgium in the quarter-finals.

IMAGE CREDITS: GETTY

2

HARRY MAGUIRE (ENGLAND)

IMAGE CREDITS: GETTY

Harry Maguire's performances at Euro 2020 for England were nothing short of sensational. The Manchester United captain was a rock for Gareth Southgate's side throughout the course of the tournament and could hardly put a foot wrong.

IMAGE CREDITS: GETTY

Harry Maguire helped England keep five clean sheets during Euro 2020. The Three Lions conceded just two goals this summer. The 28-year-old was also one of two players to score their penalties in England's shootout defeat to Italy in the final of Euro 2020.

IMAGE CREDITS: GETTY

1

LEONARDO BONUCCI (ITALY)

IMAGE CREDITS: GETTY

A member of one of the most impressive centre-back pairings, Leonardo Bonucci was incredible for Italy at an international tournament yet again. Italy have not lost a game that Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini have played in together at centre-back since 2015.

IMAGE CREDITS: GETTY

The 34-year-old seems to age like fine wine. Despite a poor season with Juventus, Leonardo Bonucci was talismanic for Italy. He put in a Man of the Match worthy performance in the final of Euro 2020 against England and slotted away his spot kick in the penalty shootout.

IMAGE CREDITS: GETTY