The Euros is finally here, with Europe’s best set to face-off throughout the summer.
The tournament takes place in Germany, with hundreds of the continent’s glittering stars set to strut their stuff. Cristiano Ronaldo, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe are among the standout stars due to take to the pitch.
While there will be plenty of talent on show, some have been unfortunate to miss out. A host of stars have failed to qualify, while a clutch of stand-out stars have been left out of their respective squads.
Bosses have had to make some brutal decisions for the summer. Take a look at the best XI that could be put together of players not in Germany...
GK: Thibaut Courtois
Belgium have qualified for this tournament and it’s likely their golden era’s last chance to finally claim a trophy. While his country will be taking part, the same cannot be said of the 102-capped goalkeeper Courtois.
A serious knee injury saw him miss the vast majority of the season, with Courtois returning to play a part in the final few days of the campaign. He shone in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.
But that hasn’t been enough to earn a spot in Dominico Tedesco’s 26-man squad. It is the first tournament that he has missed since Euro 2012.
Who will win Euro 2024? Share your thoughts in the comments below
RB: Reece James
The Chelsea defender has endured a torrid time of things over recent seasons. Ongoing injury issues have limited the 24-year-old to just 26 Premier League appearances over the last two campaigns.
His struggles to get fit have worked against him when it comes to the England squad. James, a 16-time England international, has not appeared for the Three Lions in over a year.
He will now focus on getting fit ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. James will also be working under a new manager following Enzo Maresca’s appointment.
CB: David Alaba
We promise we’re nearly done with knee injuries. Real Madrid and Austria star David Alaba suffered his own serious issue back in December.
He is still yet to return to action and unsurprisingly, he was left out of his nation’s squad for the Euros. While Alaba won’t take to the pitch in Germany, he is still going to play a role.
Former Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick has confirmed that he will be among the squad as a ‘non-playing captain’. It is only Austria’s fourth Euros appearance so they will need all the help that they can get.
CB: Mats Hummels
Veteran defender Mats Hummels finds himself at a crossroads. The 35-year-old has just appeared in the Champions League final.
However, he could find himself without a club, and is not set to take part in the Euros. The 78-capped defender is a legendary figure when it comes to German football having helped the nation to the World Cup.
Hummels has already said his absence from the Euros is “bitter” but is understanding of Julian Nagelsmann’s decision.
LB: Lucas Hernandez
On the topic of knee injury, France defender Lucas Hernandez saw his season ended in early May. He picked up the issue in PSG ’s Champions League semi-final against Dortmund.
He is still yet to return to action and looks unlikely to be back on the pitch before the end of the year. Arguably the best left-back in the world, only France could have enough depth to not really miss him.
Brother Theo has been called up and is joined by Real Madrid star Ferland Mendy. They should be absolutely fine.
CM: Gavi
One of the brightest stars of Spanish football, Gavi is another struck down with injury issues. The 19-year-old has been sidelined since November with a serious knee issue.
While he appears to be closing in on a return having returned to training with Barcelona, an appearance on the pitch appears some way off. Unsurprisingly, Gavi was left out of the Spain squad for the Euros.
Luis de la Fuente still has a talented midfield to choose from. Pedri and Rodri look set to start, while Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi and Fabian Ruiz are all options.
CM: Frenkie de Jong
Staying in Barcelona, another of the club’s stars will also miss the tournament. Dutch playmaker Frenkie de Jong was initially named in the Netherlands squad.
Just days ahead of the Dutch’s opening game against Poland, De Jong was forced to pull out. He had been suffering with an ankle injury during the second-half of the campaign.
De Jong travelled to Germany but soon backtracked. Boss Ronald Koeman has taken aim at Barcelona for their gamble with the midfielder’s fitness.
CM: Martin Odegaard
Okay, we’re about done with injuries, we promise. Let’s look at some players who have simply not qualified. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is one of the standout names not travelling to Germany.
His nation Norway failed to automatically qualify for the tournament, while they also failed to book a spot in the playoffs. It is no surprise that Norway have not qualified.
The Scandinavian nation have only ever played at one tournament. They reached the 2000 edition but did not progress past the group stage.
ST: Alexander Isak
At just 24 years of age, Newcastle and Sweden star Alexander Isak already has 46 caps for his national team. In that time, he has scored 11 goals.
He will not be adding to those records at Euro 2024. They finished third in their qualifying group.
It will certainly be a shame that Isak is not at the tournament given his form for Newcastle this season. He is fresh off the back of a 25-goal campaign, the most clinical of his career so far.
ST: Marcus Rashford
From a player who was in electric form last term, to one who certainly wasn’t, Marcus Rashford was left out of Gareth Southgate ’s England squad. While the Man United star has been a near ever-present under Southgate, it was certainly not a surprise to see him cut.
Rashford, 26, scored just eight goals for the Red Devils this season. His England form has also suffered.
The Red Devils academy graduate has scored just once in his last seven appearances for his country. Rashford certainly has a battle on his hands to get himself back into contention.
ST: Erling Haaland
It could be argued that the best striker in the world is not going to be at Euro 2024. Erling Haaland has been in scintillating goalscoring form practically for the past seven years.
He has scored 225 professional club goals since 2017 - a record that includes another 38 for Manchester City in all competitions last term. Haaland has carried that form onto the international stage.
The 23-year-old has 31 goals in 33 caps for Norway. But that was not enough to see the country qualify for Euro 2024.
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