Euro 2016 Semi-Final XI featuring Arsenal and Spurs stars

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This week saw the long awaited final of Euro 2016 decided after its two eagerly awaited semi-final clashes were played out in Lyon and Marseille. Wales’ spectacular journey at these championships – their first major tournament since 1958 – was ended at the hands of Portugal, who achieved only their second semi-final victory in a major tournament (of a possible seven) and their first semi-final triumph on foreign soil.

It was also their first win at Euro 2016 in normal time, and it all seems to be coming together in the nick of time for Cristiano Ronaldo and his team-mates.

Host nation France followed up Portugal’s display in Marseille on Thursday, and produced a superb defensive yet clinical attacking performance to edge out world champions Germany 2-0 (their first major tournament victory over Die Mannschaft since 1958). Therefore, they will head into the final of their own showpiece.

If their previous two triumphs on home soil are anything to go by – a 1984 European Championship triumph and their World Cup win in 1998 – the hosts will be hot favourites to secure the Henri Delaunay trophy in Saint-Denis on Sunday. Both winning semi-finalists are well represented in the semi-final XI, but who exactly made the grade this time round? Read on over the next few pages to find out, and leave your thoughts on the line-up in the comments below.

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Coach: Didier Deschamps (France)

As a player, Deschamps captained France to their finest hour as they triumphed on home soil to win the 1998 World Cup. The French have a strong record with major tournaments on home soil, and there is every indication that they may add Euro 2016 to their growing record as Deschamps led his nation into another final, on this occasion from the dugout, as Les Bleus became the first team to reach two European finals as the host nation.

Ahead of the semi-final against arch-rivals Germany, Deschamps made a huge call in leaving out N’Golo Kanté and sticking with the side which dismantled Iceland 5-2 three days prior. Resisting the temptation to tinker with his side was enough for him to edge Portugal manager Fernando Santos who was forced to make changes through suspensions.

However, we saw a different side in Marseille to the free-flowing attacking team that faced the Icelanders, in a Les Bleus side that was content to sit deep and let Germany dictate possession, but which looked threatening on the counter and a menace from set-piece opportunities. It was indeed from a dead ball, a corner late in the first half, that Bastian Schweinsteiger bizarrely handled the ball and gave Antoine Griezmann the opportunity to sweep the ball home from the penalty spot to send France on their way to the final.

An astute tactical setup which his team executed to perfection, Deschamps deservedly takes the spot in the dugout to lead the semi-final XI.

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Formation: 4-4-2

Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris (France)

The Tottenham Hotspur shot-stopper was not faced with a German onslaught thanks to the brilliance of his teammates, but when called upon, came to the rescue for his team with some tremendous saves. He showed cat-like reflexes to deny Emre Can early in the game, and probably topped it with the save of the night right at the death, flinging himself to his left to claw away Joshua Kimmich ‘s header.

Lloris was assured in coming for crosses and commanded his box well, and showed an inspiring goalkeeping display on a historic and emotional night for his team in the Stade Vélodrome. Such a calming influence in goal will be critical for the French as they look to ride their wave of momentum all the way to the glorious finish in Saint-Denis on Sunday.

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Right-Back: Bacary Sagna (France)

Manchester City right-back Bacary Sagna has already been one of the best and most consistent defenders at Euro 2016, and he put in another composed performance on a busy night, where he had a full workout dealing with Jonas Hector’s surging runs forward and Germany’s constant switching of wingers.

Sagna however was strong and reliable in nullifying the German threat too, and provided an option going forward on the right. He will be an important piece of the puzzle if France are to triumph in Sunday’s final.

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Centre-Back: Laurent Koscielny (France)

The Arsenal man was key in the heart of the French defence as the hosts triumphed against world-champions Germany. He put in a commanding performance in central defence, combating waves of German attacks with a string of headers and clearances to relieve the relentless pressure on his team.

His ability to help France hold the line when under the cosh will be critical as Les Bleus brace themselves to face Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal with the coveted trophy at stake.

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Centre-Back: Samuel Umtiti (France)

Deschamps keeping faith with Umtiti even after Adil Rami became available for re-selection proved a masterstroke, as the youngster showed on the biggest stage some of the form which has earned him a transfer to Spanish giants Barcelona.

Deployed in central defence over his alternative full-back position, he put in a superb display for his manager and got stuck in with some crucial interceptions, including a sliding challenge to cut out Draxler’s through ball which would have put Mesut Özil through on goal. It was astonishingly only his second cap for his country, and on this evidence he has a big future with the national team ahead of him and may just see his third international cap coated in silverware.

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Left-Back: Patrice Evra (France)

Although his best playing days are now behind him, the Juventus man showed that he is still a solid and consistent performer at international level. His pace is beginning to dwindle, but he showed good instinct when attempting to get forward and on the whole coped well against Germany’s rotating wingers and the dynamic Joshua Kimmich.

The former Manchester United man may yet have a major international title to add to his CV if he can show the same consistency in the Stade de France on Sunday.