Greatest European Championship XI of all time

Philipp Lahm (Right-back)

Inspite of his performances, Lahm has not been able to lay his hands on the Euro trophy

The German full-back currently plies his trade for Bayern Munich and is considered by many to be the finest full-back of his generation, leading Germany to the World Cup in 2014 before retiring from international football that year.

Although the Euros are probably the only thing missing from Philip Lahm’s glittering trophy cabinet, the German has managed to leave his mark on the European stage. Lahm played at left-back in Germany’s run to the final in Euro 2008 and scored the winning goal in the semi-final against Russia in the 90th minute. Unfortunately, Germany lost the final to Spain, who were the best team in the world at that point in time.

Lahm was also part of Germany’s Euro 2012 squad and played as a right-back. Solid as ever, Lahm also contributed in the attacking stages of play by scoring the opening goal in Germany’s 4-2 win against Greece in the quarter-finals. Germany were stopped in the semi-finals by Italy, who won the game 2-1 in extra time.

The full-back was recognised as one of the best players in the tournament after he was voted into the UEFA Euro Team of the Year for both the editions of the tournament in 2008 and 2012. Lahm starts in his natural position of right back in this ultimate XI.