Euro 2016 Team of the Group Stages

Following the culmination of the group stages of Euro 2016, WhoScored.com formulates their team of the round using their unique rating system. 

Michael McGovern (WhoScored.com Rating 7.44) – Northern Ireland 

Northern Ireland secured a place in the next round of Euro 2016 on account of being one the better third-placed teams. A 2-0 win over Ukraine effectively sealed their place at the last-16 stage, coupled with other results going their way, and they largely have goalkeeper Michael McGovern to thank. He received a standing ovation for his performance following the 1-0 loss to Germany, with the 31-year-old’s display keeping the scoreline to a minimum. His shotstopping ability meant only Hannes Thor Halldorsson (17) made more saves than McGovern (15) in the group stages of the tournament. Given he is now a free agent, he won’t have a shortage of suitors this summer should he maintain his fine form. 

Darijo Srna (7.43) – Croatia 

The endearing moment in Croatia’s 2-1 win over Spain in midweek came when Darijo Srna ran to goalkeeper Danijel Subasic to tell him which way Sergio Ramos would take his penalty. Ultimately, Subasic’s save swung the tie back in Croatia’s favour as they claimed top spot in Group D, and with it a more favourable draw. Croatia’s captain warrants ample praise for his solid defensive showings across all three matches. Only Cristian Sapunaru and Oliver Norwood (both 12) made more tackles than the 34-year-old right-back (11) in the group stages, who provided an effective offensive threat for the national side, averaging the third most accurate crosses per game (3.7). 

Fabian Schar (7.68) – Switzerland 

Switzerland barely broke into a sweat to secure their spot in the next round of Euro 2016, where they kick off the last-16 stage with the meeting of Poland on Saturday. Fabian Schar got the ball rolling for the Swiss with his early header to secure all three points against Albania in the second match of the tournament. The 24-year-old hardly put a foot wrong in Switzerland’s group stage campaign. An average of 1.7 shots blocked per game was one of the better returns, while he maximised his impressive concentration levels to ensure he was dribbled past just the once during his 270 minutes of action. 

James Chester (7.60) – Wales 

The Dragons worked wonders to secure first place in Group B at their first ever European Championship. A solid defensive core has been essential to their progression, with James Chester an influential member of the Wales backline. Given his lack of competitive league action last season, the 27-year-old has flourished in France, with his total of 21 tackles and interceptions combined the most of all players in the group stages and contributing to a WhoScored rating of 7.60. An average of 4.3 interceptions per game highlighted the West Brom defender’s commendable reading of the game and allowed Wales to instigate swift counter attacks in their three games. 

Jonny Evans (7.30) – Northern Ireland

Having impressed at left-back for West Brom at times over the season, Jonny Evans was called on once more to continue in the role by Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill and he didn't disappoint, gaining a WhoScored rating of 7.30. Three tackles per game reinforced Evans' defensive solidity, while an average of 5.3 clearances brought to light the proactiveness of the 28-year-old. Like McGovern, he had a key part to play in Northern Ireland's eventual progression to the last-16 stage of the competition. 

Aaron Ramsey (7.80) – Wales

The second of three Wales players to feature in the best XI of the group stages, Aaron Ramsey provided the much needed enegery in the midfield to ensure the Dragons successfully soaked up pressure to hit teams on the break. While Gareth Bale is the star of the side, Ramsey is a vital component in Chris Coleman's XI. No player won possession in the midfield third than the 25-year-old (16) in the group stages of the tournament, while Ramsey also featured highly for tackles per game (3.7).  

Toni Kroos (8.02) – Germany 

While Germany were far from their best in the group stages of the competition, the performances of Toni Kroos were a joy to behold. The Real Madrid midfielder kept things ticking over in the middle of the park, making more accurate passes (323) at Euro 2016 than any other player so far. 9.3 accurate long balls per game was the third most of all outfielders, with Kroos spreading the play where necessary in order to probe the opposition defence. With he pulling the strings in midfield, Germany stand a much stronger chance of European Championship glory this summer. 

Ivan Perisic (8.16) – Croatia 

Having netted the vital goal that saw Croatia secure top spot in Group D, Ivan Perisic’s 2016 continues to go from strength to strength. He endured a difficult start to life with Inter, but has since established himself as a key player for the Serie A side. Perisic is one of six players to register three goals or assists at Euro 2016 so far and is widely considered Croatia’s most important attacking outlet. Six tackles and six interceptions in their three group games also highlighted his impressive defensive work that played a key role in Croatia’s progression as group winners. 

Kevin De Bruyne (8.04) – Belgium 

Belgium’s Euro 2016 campaign got off to the worst possible start with a 2-0 defeat to Italy setting them back. However, a change in system by manager Marc Wilmots saw key creator Kevin De Bruyne redeployed into a central role and it’s here where the Manchester City star thrived. 17 key passes was more than any other player in the group stages of the competition, while 15 accurate crosses was also the most in the three group games. Only Gareth Bale (3) won more WhoScored man of the match awards than De Bruyne (2) in what has been a commendable showing from the young attacker so far. 

Dimitri Payet (8.21) – France 

The hopes of France rested on Paul Pogba ahead of the tournament, but the mantle appears to have been stolen by Dimitri Payet. The West Ham star netted the vital winner in the opening game 2-1 win over Romania and netted a fine second to clinch a 2-0 victory over Albania. 14 key passes is the second most at the tournament so far, while his eight chances created against Romania remains the most in a single match at Euro 2016. France lacked fluidity in the final third in the 0-0 draw with Switzerland up until Payet’s second half introduction and the consensus now is that his influence is vital if the hosts are to come away from the competition victorious. 

Gareth Bale (8.78) – Wales 

No player has scored more goals than Gareth Bale (3) at Euro 2016, with the Real Madrid man arguably the best performer of the group stages. An average of 5.7 shots per game ranks behind only club teammate Cristiano Ronaldo (10) at this stage of the tournament, with Bale not afraid to go for goal when the opportunity presents itself. Furthermore, 4.3 successful dribbles per game was the most of all players at the group stages of Euro 2016, with the 26-year-old maximising his speed and athleticism to help trouble opponents and ease pressure on the Wales defence. His form has earned a WhoScored rating of 8.78, by far and away the best of all players, and Wales will be hoping Bale can maintain his fine form in order to progress as far as possible in France.

Who would have made your team of the Euro 2016 group stages? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below