Jose Mourinho names Kyle Walker as Euro 2020 player of the tournament and brands England star an 'animal'

JOSE MOURINHO has named Kyle Walker as his Euro 2020 Player of the Tournament.

Penalty shoot-out hero Gianluigi Donnarumma won Uefa's official award after his heroics in the final against England.

Raheem Sterling was an obvious attacking star for the Three Lions.

But it was a more understated defensive rock that caught SunSport columnist Mourinho's eye.

He told talkSPORT this morning: "My player of the tournament was Kyle Walker.

"I think Kyle Walker was phenomenal. From the first minute of the competition until the moment he came off in the final he was phenomenal.

"He was giving covers to centre-backs on the opposite side, I don't remember him losing one single duel.

"He didn't go forward as much as he does for his club because of a strategy point of view.

"But when I call a player an animal, it's the best compliment I can give to a player.

"Kyle Walker – absolute animal. For me, phenomenal, during the first to the last minute."

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Walker, 31, played nearly every minute of six of England's seven matches during the tournament, only missing out on the 0-0 draw with Scotland.

He was predominantly utilised at right-back, although did start on the right of a back three against Germany and again last night.

The Manchester City ace was substituted for Marcus Rashford during stoppage time of extra time against Italy, so that the forward could take a penalty.

But Mourinho disagreed with the decision.

And why did Walker and Henderson not stay on the pitch?

The Roma manager added: "For Saka to have the destiny of the country on his shoulder is too much.

"Many times players that should be there run away from their responsibility.

"Where was Sterling? John Stones? Where was Shaw?

"And why did Walker and Henderson not stay on the pitch? Because in reality it's very, very hard for Rashford and (Jadon) Sancho to come on and to take a penalty after one touch on the ball."

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