The upcoming UEFA European Championship, Euro 2024, promises to showcase Europe's top football talent. However, an equally impressive lineup will be missing from the action.
Despite the tournament's expansion to 24 teams, a constellation of stars from nations that didn't qualify will be noticeably absent. This selection highlights the depth of talent across the continent and the fierce competition in European football.
Great Goalkeeper and Defenders on Holiday this Summer
GK: Lucas Hradecky – The Finnish goalkeeper, a stalwart for Bayer Leverkusen, exemplifies experience and leadership. With 91 caps for Finland and a commendable track record in the Bundesliga, his absence is a significant loss.
LB: Kostas Tsimikas – The Greek defender, competing for a spot at Liverpool, showcases the depth of talent sidelined this summer.
CB: Ben Davies – The Welsh captain, known for his reliability for Tottenham Hotspur and Wales, misses out after a tense qualifying campaign.
CB: Nathan Collins – Ireland's beacon of hope, the young Brentford centre-back, represents the future of Irish football but will miss this edition of the Euros.
RB: Conor Bradley – At just 20, Bradley has shown immense promise with Liverpool, but Northern Ireland's failure to qualify sidelines this young talent.
Midfield Masters Without a Summer Stage
CM: Ethan Ampadu – Ampadu's journey from Chelsea to Leeds United reflects his growth, but Wales's absence denies him a European showcase.
CM: Eljif Elmas – North Macedonia's standout, now with Leipzig, adds to the list of talents on holiday this summer.
CM: Martin Odegaard – The Norwegian captain and Arsenal's midfield maestro would have brought creativity and leadership to the Euros, but alas Norway would not qualify.
Forwards with No Field to Conquer
LW: Alexander Isak – The Newcastle forward's absence is a blow for Sweden and fans eager to see his prowess on a grand stage.
ST: Erling Haaland – Arguably the most notable absentee, the Manchester City striker's exclusion underscores the high stakes of European competition.
RW: Dejan Kulusevski – Despite Sweden's array of attacking talents, their failure in qualifying sidelines Kulusevski, a key figure in their setup.
FAQ
Why is Lucas Hradecky considered a significant absence? Hradecky's experience and performances for both club and country make him a noteworthy omission.
What makes Conor Bradley a player to watch? Bradley's rapid rise and impressive performances for Liverpool at just 20 highlight his potential.
Why is the absence of Erling Haaland particularly impactful? Haaland's prolific scoring record and status as one of the world's best strikers mean Euro 2024 misses a headline talent.
Can these players participate in future European Championships? Yes, many of the players mentioned are young enough to feature in future tournaments, barring injuries or other unforeseen circumstances.
