Those ‘Welsh Pirlo’ comparisons with the Italian maestro did not seem so far-fetched. The fairy tale ended against eventual winners Portugal in the semi-final but Allen admits it was a life-changing event.

“As a Welshman I’d always dreamed of reaching a major tournament and wondered if it would ever happen but reaching the semi-finals is unforgettable. We were riding the crest of a wave, getting better and better, but Portugal was just one step too far. It maybe caught up with us.”

All the attention garnered from Euro 2016 was a new experience for Allen, who readily admits he is an Average Joe. He is private and humble, though Liverpool players will tell you he was one of the most outgoing members of the squad. It was once revealed that he keeps chickens with his wife Lacey, but other details about the Welshman are scarce. So who is the real Joe Allen?