The month-long European football extravaganza came to an end as Italy defeated England on penalties after the sides couldn’t be separated during 120 minutes of gruelling football.

Italy and England were the two best teams in the tournament and Italy was the better side on the day.

Overall, it was a superb tournament and had its fair share of magical moments. Certain players made a name for themselves and rose to the occasion. Cristiano Ronaldo is no stranger to being the in the limelight.

Despite Portugal’s poor showing at the finals, Ronaldo scored 5 goals and was on par with Patrik Schick in the golden boot race. However, since Ronaldo had registered one assist as opposed to zero assists for the Czech Republic striker, Ronaldo was given the golden boot award.

England’s run during the tournament was built on the back of a solid defence. Gareth Southgate juggled between a back 4 and a back 5, but one man was constant and that was Jordan Pickford. Pickford kept 5 clean sheets in the tournament, all coming before the semi-final. His 5 clean sheets were 2 more than any other keeper and he was the worthy winner of the golden glove award. He made 2 crucial penalty saves during the shoot-out as well, but England could not get over the line.

Gianluigi Donnarumma may have missed out on the golden glove award but he was pivotal in Italy’s run in the tournament. The man-mountain of a goalkeeper bagged the player of the tournament award for his incredible performances for Italy. He saved 2 back-to-back penalties in the final and also saved Alvaro Morata’s penalty in the semi-final.

Spain were knocked out in the semi-final due to Gianluigi Donnarumma’s heroics in the penalty shootout but one Spanish player who had a tournament to remember was youngster Pedri.

The 18-year-old was a joy to watch and was rightfully given the young player of the tournament award. Still in his teens, the Barcelona youngster has all the ingredients to become a world class footballer.