Emma Byrne Chooses Her Best XI From Euro 2022

Emma Byrne Chooses Her Best XI From Euro 2022
Emma Byrne
By Emma Byrne
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Euro 2022 ended yesterday in thrilling circumstances yesterday at Wembley with England overcoming Germany 2-1 in extra time thanks to a winner from Chloe Kelly. The victorious England team are being celebrated as heroes.

87,192 people attended the final, a record for a UEFA event. The England victory, and the spotlight of the tournament, will give women's football in the UK a huge lift, and hopefully in Ireland as well. 

To round-off the tournament, former Ireland captain Emma Byrne has selected her best XI from Euro 2022. She previously ranked her top five goalkeepers of the tournament.

Euro 2022 Best XI

GK - Daphne van Domselaar, Netherlands

The 22-year-old Dutch goalkeeper was a revelation at Euro 2022. We might not have witnessed just how good she is but for a forced substitution in the very first game for the Netherlands. She has everything: agility, quick feet, composure, commands her area and has quick reactions. The save from Wendy Renard's header being my favourite.  

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RB - Ona Batlle, Spain 

We saw snippets of what Batlle can do when she drives forward. Typical Spanish wing-back who is very dangerous when given space. Also an excellent defender. Against England, Batlle kept Lauren Hemp out of the game. Beth Mead tried her luck switching with Hemp, Mead was taken off after 15 minutes.

CB - Millie Bright, England

If we are talking about players who have influenced their team at Euro 2022 then I can't name anyone better than this English centre-back. She's a no frills defender, gets herself in the right place at the right time and does a very effective job. Excellent in the air. Superb against Spain.

CB - Madga Eriksson, Sweden

Played a very strong, committed tournament for Sweden. The Chelsea player is consistent and builds up play very well. Very good distribution and very rarely beaten in a one-v-one.

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She showed her leadership qualities by fronting up after Sweden lost 4-0 to England in the semi-finals

LB - Sakina Karchaoui, France

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The PSG left back has been huge for PSG all season and continued her form in this tournament with France. A speedy intelligent fullback who loves to support in attack. Never beaten in a foot race, very rarely gives the ball away and kept the German right side very busy in the semi-finals. Must be good to keep Bacha out of the starting 11.

DMF - Keira Walsh, England

Absolute baller. The holding midfield player is a wonderful outlet for England in build-up play. Such a natural awareness and always looks like she's got oodles of time. Sublime passing range and vision and we still haven't seen her best. Her assist for Ella Toone's chipped goal was otherworldly.

CMF - Aitana Bonmati, Spain

Something happens when this player gets on the ball. Without Alexia Putellas, Aitana stepped up to be the catalyst for the Spanish attack. Moves with the ball with speed and purpose. One of the best in the world at playing between the lines.

CMF - Lena Oberdorf, German

At just 20-years-old, this player is a machine. She marshals the Germany midfield and loves to put her foot in. She's grown stronger every game and can only get better. She was devastated after the final whistle but was rightly voted Euro 2022 Young Player of the Tournament.

FWD - Beth Mead, England

Goal machine. She has scored pivotal goals for England and lots of them! Voted Euro 2022 Player of the Tournament and she finished top goalscorer. What a player.

FWD - Alessia Russo, England

Russo has been England´s secret weapon. Not just for that cheeky back-heeled goal against Sweden, but makes immediate impact whenever she comes off the bench. Very good at initiating the press, very good in the air and very good at being in the right place and the right time.

FWD - Klara Bühl, Germany

This one might not be on everyone's 11. I've watched her carefully throughout the tournament and she has impressed me a lot. Her work-rate is phenomenal in helping her team in defence and she's very quick to counter-attack. A strong, aggressive attacking player who makes every right back's job a difficult one. Germany missed her in the final.

See Also: Jill Scott Attains Icon Status For Swearing At German Opponent

emma byrne euro 2022 best xi

 

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