After the suspenseful and tense moments in the Euro 2024 group stage , this is a good time to reflect ahead of this important tournament.

Which players have impressed in the opening three games and who will you want to look away from in the Worst XI?

The statisticians at Sofascore have crunched the data and come up with the best and worst performing apps based on an algorithm, so there’s no subjectivity involved here.

Some big names made the worst XI, with Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer continuing his poor form ahead of the tournament on the big stage despite the hosts qualifying for the knockout stages as group winners.

 

Manuel Neuer in the worst squad of the group stage despite Germany’s progress

 

Denmark and Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund (above) has yet to score a goal

 

Another Premier League player to feature alongside Hojlund in the worst XI is Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez with a 6.57 rating in his first three games for Hungary, who were eliminated despite beating Scotland in their final game.

He was joined at the back by teammate Attila Fiola, who partnered Czech Robin Hranac.

The Scots also feature Celtic’s Anthony Ralston at full-back – who has the lowest rating of 6.33 – and in midfield, Italy’s David Frattesi is perhaps a surprise inclusion.

In the middle are Switzerland’s Silvan Widmer and Poland’s Przemysław Frankowski.

Albania’s Jasir Asani and Slovenia’s Jan Mlakar flank Hojlund.

 

Scotland’s Anthony Ralston (right) is another unfortunate name in the worst XI

 

Kylian Mbappe makes the strongest squad despite being absent for most of the match

 

Sofascore’s worst group stage lineups were generated by an algorithm

On a more positive note, the group stage’s best squad featured some of the world’s best talent and even a few surprise names.

Of course, Kylian Mbappé led the way, consistently posing a threat for France despite missing the second game against the Netherlands after breaking his nose in the opening win.

Kevin De Bruyne is a mainstay for the Belgium national team and plays in the attacking midfield position alongside fellow Manchester City star Bernardo Silva.

The most highly rated player in the tournament so far comes from Spain and is one of the few who can predict before the ball is kicked.

Fabian Ruiz has been excellent for La Roja, who have won every game so far and the PSG all-rounder’s 8.60 rating has beaten all other opponents.

He partners Toni Kroos in the engine room and the German is doing brilliantly in his final tournament before retirement.

There are some surprises in defence, including Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella, rated 7.95.

He has never really broken into the Blues squad but has reminded everyone of his qualities on the big stage so far and will be key for the team in the difficult stages of the campaign.

 

Fabian Ruiz is the most highly rated player in the tournament so far after playing for Spain.

 

 

Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo (left) and retired German star Toni Kroos (right) have been included in the Team of the Year

 

Marc Cucurella (right) is another standout player and is doing well for La Roja

 

Fabian Ruiz is the highest rated player in the Best XI after his first three games for his team

At centre-back, Slovenia’s Jaka Bijol will replace him after holding England to a 0-0 draw in their final group game and will partner Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni.

There was another veteran German at right-back in Joshua Kimmich but he was surprised by Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

The Valencia goalkeeper kept a clean sheet against Portugal in the final group game, making some excellent saves and earning a rating of 8.17.