VALE DO LOBO, PORTUGAL - Friday, May 27, 2016: Wales' Joe Allen during day four of the pre-UEFA Euro 2016 training camp at the Vale Do Lobo resort in Portugal. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Joe Allen makes UEFA’s Team of the Tournament after Wales’ Euro 2016 heroics

Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen was named in UEFA’s Team of the Tournament after an excellent Euro 2016 campaign.

The 26-year-old started in every game of Wales’ remarkable run to the semi-finals of this summer’s European Championship in France, producing a string of strong displays.

Chris Coleman’s side defeated Slovakia, Russia, Northern Ireland and Belgium along the way, eventually falling to champions Portugal.

While Wales’ attacking talents such as Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey grabbed most of the headlines, Allen’s nuanced performances in the middle of the park helped fuel their success.

Returning to Cardiff to an emphatic welcome, Allen and his team-mates were lauded as national heroes.

Following Sunday night’s final 1-0 victory for Portugal over France, UEFA named their official Team of the Tournament, with Allen joining Ramsey in midfield.

Portugal’s Rui Patricio, Pepe and Raphael Guerreiro were named alongside Germany’s Jerome Boateng and Joshua Kimmich in defence.

Allen and Ramsey lined up with Germany midfielder Toni Kroos, with France’s Dimitri Payet and Golden Boot winner Antoine Griezmann supporting Cristiano Ronaldo in attack.

That Allen has been handed such a prestigious honour, given the level of competition he faced, is a significant achievement.

The former Swansea City midfielder could leave Liverpool this summer, however, with Jurgen Klopp favouring a more physical, robust unit in the middle of the park.

La Liga side Sevilla registered their interest in Allen last week, and they are believed to be one of six clubs chasing the Carmarthen native’s signature.

Swansea and Southampton are also considering a move, while Allen was said to be on Watford’s radar back in May.

Klopp may still reconsider Allen’s future, with the midfielder due back in pre-season training at the end of July, following a three-week holiday.

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