EURO countdown (7 days to go) – Let's play a little fantasy game

Here's a little task for you. Pick a team out of Euro 2020 players! Seems easy? Wait for it. There are rules. And you cannot play unless you follow the rules, alright?

1. Only players who are on the official team lists are eligible. No Virgil van Dijk nor Zlatan Ibrahimovic, please! And don't try to smuggle Sergio Ramos in there either!

2. You have to pick a reasonable formation. Don't try to act smart with two goalkeepers or four right-backs (we're looking at you, Gareth Southgate). Do not put players in positions they've never played in!

3. All eleven players have to be from different countries. You won't be able to put both Harry Kane and Jadon Sancho in attack – sorry!

Sounds good? Give us your best shot! And if you really mean business, you could talk us through your team selection and explain why your choice rules!

Here's our go at it!

GOALKEEPER

Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy) – The youngster is a proven shot-stopper. Despite being only 22 years old, he's considered one of the finest custodians in the game. He is the man to follow in the footsteps of Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon. The only ones who cannot stand Donnarumma are AC Milan fans who feel betrayed after the goalie's decision to leave the Rossoneri and seek a big-money contract elsewhere. During Italy's qualifying campaign, they conceded four goals. Only Belgium had a better defensive record – much to the credit of Gigi.

Gianluigi Donnarumma (©AFP)

DEFENCE

Joshua Kimmich (Germany) – Although predominantly a midfielder, Kimmich has often been used at right-back during his Bayern career. He is versatile, intelligent, aggressive and is always looking to win the ball. Besides, he's strong in the air, has an eye for free space, has superb vision. His intelligence on the pitch allows him to know when to charge forward and when to sit back. And we at Mozzart Sport Kenya love that sort of player!

Ruben Dias (Portugal) - At just 24, Dias has transformed Man City's defence into the most formidable in the Premier League since he arrived from Benfica. He is a fearless stopper who loves a tackle and is fantastic in the air. It's no wonder he's on the eight-name shortlist for the 2020/21 Premier League Player of the Season award! He is the right man to organise and lead the backline and will provide a foundation for the defending European champions.

Ruben Dias (©AFP)

David Alaba (Austria) – He's the best player in the Austrian national team. And although that country cannot be counted as a European powerhouse, their star man Alaba is considered one of the best. He's equally strong in defence as well as going forward. He's quick, strong, skillful and can do a job anywhere on the left side of the pitch. A recent recruit for Real Madrid, he's one of the most decorated players in the world, having won every possible trophy while at Bayern.

MIDFIELD

Christian Eriksen (Denmark) – The former Ajax and Tottenham Hotspur playmaker has had a nightmare start to his Inter career. But he's shown his class whenever given a chance, and he finished the season strongly as Nerazzurri claimed their first title in a decade. He's made over 100 appearances for his country. His experience could prove essential in this tournament, and his free kicks would be a great asset to any team – even our fantasy side!

Christian Eriksen (©AFP)

Luka Modric (Croatia) – He may be 35, but he's no old man. Modric is one of the most consistent, classy, yet hard-working midfielders we've ever seen. His ability to set the tempo in any match and bring his teammates into the play is second to none. He's been a Real Madrid player for nearly a decade and was one of their most dependable performers week-in, week out. He's the only man other than Ronaldo and Messi who's won Ballon D'Or since 2007.

Gareth Bale (Wales) – Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it a samurai? Is it a golfer? Seriously, what is it? Don't be fooled by a poor season on loan at Spurs. Bale is still a lethal weapon on either flank or upfront. Actually, wherever you put him, he oozes quality. This is especially notable when he puts on a Wales shirt. In Euro 2016, he led his country to the semi-finals, where they lost to eventual winners Portugal. Bale is set to return to Real Madrid, where new boss Carlo Ancelotti could give him a new lease of life. Never rule Gareth out!

Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium) – If Pep Guardiola is a fan of yours, you must be really good at football. And Kevin really is. The Manchester City star is expected to lead his country from the midfield and contribute in the final third, and chip in with a goal or two. His only concern is a facial injury he's sustained during his club's Champions League final defeat. He may miss his country's first match against Russia, but he would never miss a game for Mozzart Sport Kenya Fantasy Team!

Kylian Mbappe (©AFP)

Kylian Mbappe (France) – This boy is already a legend. What can you say about the French wonderkid that hasn't already been said? His pace, trickery, composure and decision-making are just some of the traits that terrify defenders. He's just finished a disappointing season with Paris Saint-Germain and is hungry for some glory. And is there a better chance for a football superstar to shine than here, today, at www.mozzartsportke.com? And at the European Championship, of course.

FORWARDS

Harry Kane (England) - Is there a better striker in the world? Probably not. Even in a disaster of a season for Tottenham, Harry Kane ended as the Premier League's top goalscorer with 23 strikes. But he's not just a striker. Yes, he will bang the goals in, but he's also ever so helpful in linking up with his teammates and spotting openings where others cannot see them. He's been linked with a move away from Spurs. And the move happened! He's playing for Mozzart Sport Kenya, obviously!

Robert Lewandowski (©AFP)

Robert Lewandowski (Poland) – Can you name any other Polish players? Maybe you can, but you certainly cannot spell their names! Never mind that. Poland is not considered a candidate for lifting the trophy in the Final on 11 July, but you never know. Stranger things have happened. Denmark won the tournament in 1992, and Greece did it in 2004 when nobody in the world gave them a chance. And when you've got a certified goalscoring machine spearheading your attack, nobody can rule you out. Lewa broke all the records as Bayern romped to another Bundesliga title. And if you don't find a place for him in your team – you aren't doing it right.

THOSE WHO MISSED OUT

If you tried to make your own team, you might have noticed that it isn't exactly easy to leave some of the stars out. We really wanted to include N'Golo Kante and Cristiano Ronaldo, but we've already had players from France and Portugal included. And perhaps we could have been tempted to give Romelu Lukaku a chance upfront. But, alas, we've already decided that we cannot build a team without Kevin De Bruyne in it.

Right then, we've had our go. Who makes your team?

Stay with MOZZART SPORT KENYA for all the exciting news regarding the tournament, sides, players, favourites, underdogs, fixtures... The countdown has started! See you at the EURO 2020.