What a month of football we have had. Highs, lows and everything in-between. Looking back at the feast of football, and our schedules suddenly facing at least a few weeks without daily football to consume our lives, we couldn’t cope. Therefore, we are looking back fondly at the tournament that has just completed, and this time picking out the top 5 moments (in our opinion) of Euro 2020.

As with every single thing on the internet, these choices are purely subjective and often led by personal bias, however if you disagree then head over to Twitter (@NextGoalWinBlog) and let us know what your top 5 moments of Euro 2020 were.

5. Italian National Anthem

I haven’t a clue what is being sung in the Italian national anthem, but following Andrea Bocelli’s rendition of Nessun Dorma with the most passionate singing of a national anthem seen for some time, Italy’s intentions in the tournament were clear to see before a ball had even been kicked. Although their first opponents Turkey were a meagre opponent on the night, the anthem must have had nerves heightened to the extreme. The continuation of this passionate anthem throughout the tournament was truly incredible, and being followed up by some beautiful football was not too bad either.

4. Shockers

Who doesn’t love a good upset, and this tournament had plenty. Whether it be England breezing past Germany, Switzerland removing the heavy tournament favourites, or Italy doing the business against Belgium, Spain and England on their way to the trophy, this tournament saw several surprise results and resilient performances. With plenty of drama, goals and special ‘moments’ this tournament had just about everything a football fan would want.

3. Top Gear

Who doesn’t love a gimmick, and one that becomes instant meme material. It’s one of life’s rare moments when you can witness a meme being born right in front of you, and on the opening fixture of Euro 2020 we had just that, as a remote control car zoomed onto the pitch to provide the referees and officials with the game ball to get things started. As sponsorship gimmicks go, this was one of the more unusual, and I am looking forward to seeing it spread through the game and into non-league football within the year.

2. The Optimism

Croatia, Scotland (just about), Czech Republic, Germany (with ease), Ukraine, Denmark all pushed aside by Southgate’s men, as they made it to the first final England have played in since the 1966 World Cup final, and the atmosphere and emotion in the country was remarkable. There was not only optimism, but joy in watching England, and suddenly 55 years of heartbreak felt like nothing as we watched and waiting anxiously for the final. Although not to be on the night, the whole squad and staff involved should hold their heads high, as they allowed English football fans to genuinely believe in their country, and what a time it was.

1. Denmark

What was seen in the Denmark vs Finland group game is something nobody ever wants to see repeated in football, however from this horrific moment, there was a real sense of humanity in the game and with everyone involved. Whether it be the Danish side show the upmost team ethic in protecting their captain from public view during this distressing time, or the captain Kjaer comforting Eriksen’s wife on the touchline, or the fans chanting in unity for Eriksen, or the players on both sides who made the decision to return to the field and finish the match, or the doctors and medics who managed to perform miracles to save a man’s life in the most shocking of moments. All of this, is the positive outlook of what occurred, and as a fan who watched the scenes on television, those few minutes will stay with me for a lifetime through shock, fear and compassion for a human being. This became more than footballers kicking a ball, but humans helping one another in a time of need, and it was beautiful from the heroes involved.