Based on the first 36 encounters of Euro 2016, The National’s Premier League correspondent Greg Lea selected his team of the group stage. A maximum of two players per country, and candidates had to have completed at least two full matches to be eligible. Based on a 4-3-3 formation.
Related: Euro 2016 group stage review – Wales, Hungary and Iceland made the most of rare opportunity
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Gareth Bale, Wales
Wales’ main man, left, delivered in Group B, scoring three goals to help the European Championship debutants through to the knockout rounds. Bale is almost impossible to stop once he gets in his stride.
Darijo Srna, Croatia
The Croatia captain has been solid defensively and a threat going forward, with Srna showing tremendous mental strength to maintain his high level of performance following the recent passing of his father.
Leonardo Bonucci, Italy
The Juventus centre-half has shown he has the ability to create attacks as well as destroy them. Bonucci’s range of passing is one of his biggest assets, but he is more than happy to help out with the dirty work too.
Kamil Glik, Poland
Poland’s backline has not yet been breached at Euro 2016, with Glik, right, playing a key part in that record. The Torino centre-back is strong in the air and the tackle, while his reading of the game has also been important.
Jordi Alba, Spain
Alba has been a vital attacking outlet for Spain, with his runs from deep helping to stretch opponents and in turn open up space for team-mates infield. Alba is a real menace down the left flank, with his acceleration and late bursts difficult to contain.
Toni Kroos, Germany
Kroos delivered a distribution masterclass in the first half of Germany’s opener with Ukraine. The midfielder has the ability to control the tempo of a game, which could be essential for the world champions in the weeks to come.
Eric Dier, England
Dier was England’s standout player in the group stage, continuing his remarkable rise since first being moved into the holding midfield role at the start of the 2015/16 campaign. His positioning has been excellent – Dier did not commit a single foul in all three matches – while his passing remains massively underrated.
Dimitri Payet, France
The West Ham United playmaker could not even get into the France squad earlier this season, but he is now an undroppable member of the starting XI. Payet’s trickery, flair and ingenuity was in evidence in Group A, while his strike against Romania was one of the tournament’s most memorable moments so far.
Andres Iniesta, Spain
Spain’s magician, right, was at his very best in the holders’ first two outings, with his touch and technique still a source of amazement after all this time. Iniesta, who arguably plays better for his country than for his club, is simply a joy to watch.
Ivan Perisic, Croatia
Perisic was superb for Croatia in all three matches, the Inter winger demonstrating a fine array of qualities out on the flank. He can combine well with team-mates in established possession but also possesses the speed and running power to do damage on the counter-attack.
Michael McGovern, Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland goalkeeper kept the score down in defeats by Poland and Germany, helping his country to advance to the knockout stage on goal difference.
