Ex-Portugal star Jose Fonte picks dream 5-a-side team from Euro 2024, includes Pepe and 34-year-old midfielder
Former Portugal defender Jose Fonte has picked his 5-a-side dream team based on the players who have impressed him at Euro 2024. The selection includes a mix of young, old, and everything in between, highlighting the diverse quality on display at the competition.
The former Southampton and Lille defender who won Euro 2016 made his pick on the Legends Lounge YouTube channel, saying:
“Goalkeeper is [Diogo] Costa. I could say Mike Maignan but I’ll go with Costa. After that game [against Slovenia], I had to give it to him."
Fonte concluded his picks, saying:
“I want to go [with] Pepe because of that game against Turkey when he had a great performance. Kroos, if he wins the Euros, oh my god. He has to win [Ballon d’Or]. I need to chose two more, yeah? I’m going to choose Bellingham, and then the young boy Lamine Yamal."
Out of Fonte's selection, only Lamine Yamal has secured his place in the semifinals of Euro 2024. Pepe, Costa, and Kroos were knocked out yesterday, while Bellingham faces Switzerland today (July 6) in Dusseldorf in his quarterfinal fixture.
Kieran Trippier hails England Manager despite struggles at Euro 2024
England defender Kieran Trippier has hailed his manager Gareth Southgate in the face of criticism of their performances at Euro 2024. While the English are still unbeaten in the competition, they have failed to dominate their ever-demanding fans at the tournament.
Speaking via Fotmob, the Newcastle United defender passionately defended his manager, saying:
"I think what Gareth's done since he took charge has been nothing but remarkable, really. When I first arrived, we had many meetings about what it means to represent England and he really installed that real togetherness in the squad from when he first took charge to now. You've seen how much he's developed. And I think what he's done for England is nothing but remarkable, really."
"Everybody's entitled to their own opinion, but I think Gareth certainly knows, from myself, the players, what we think of him. He is an unbelievable, unbelievable person and somebody that we all, every single person in this camp, respects."
Gareth Southgate is managing in his 100th game as England manager today after guiding the Three Lions to the Quarterfinals of Euro 2024. He will hope he can lead the nation to glory in Germany and end their 58-year wait for silverware.