The UEFA Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament has been unveiled this Tuesday, two days after Spain’s triumph at the expense of England in the final. The team, as selected by UEFA’s Technical Observer panel, includes two stand-out performers for Didier Deschamps’ France national team: goalkeeper Mike Maignan (29) and centre-back William Saliba (23).

Mike Maignan and William Saliba have embodied the defensive stability that earned France a spot in the semi-final stage of the Euro 2024. Before losing 2-1 to eventual tournament winners Spain, Les Bleus were yet to concede a goal from open play. The Arsenal centre-back notably delivered near-flawless displays in the last-16 game against Belgium and the following round against Portugal.

Contrary to Mike Maignan, William Saliba was not expected to play such a prominent role for France at the Euro 2024. But questions marks regarding the fitness of Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konaté (25) have changed Didier Deschamps’s mind regarding the Saint-Etienne youth product. The fact Saliba earned a spot in the team of the tournament proved the France manager right. The Arsenal centre-back is expected to retain his place in the defense for France’s upcoming Nations League games next September.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval