The UEFA European Football Championship, known as UEFA Euro 2024, is set to kick off soon, captivating football fans across Europe. Scheduled from June 14 to July 14, 2024, this 17th edition of the tournament will take place in Germany, marking the third time matches will be played on German soil. With 24 teams vying for glory, anticipation is high as nations prepare to showcase their talents on the grand stage of European football.
Top 5 Players Who Will Be Miss UEFA EURO 2024
Thibaut Courtois (Belgium):
Thibaut Courtois, the Belgian goalkeeper, will be notably absent from Euro 2024. Despite recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee, his omission from the squad stems from a fallout with Belgium’s head coach, Domenico Tedesco. A rift between Courtois and Tedesco emerged last summer when Courtois felt snubbed for not receiving the captain’s armband, leading to a public disagreement. Despite expressing a desire to reconcile, the deep mistrust between them has made Courtois’ participation impossible.
Gavi (Spain):
Spain’s rising star, Gavi, will be another prominent absentee from Euro 2024. The Barcelona midfielder, known for his dynamism in the midfield, suffered a severe ACL injury and meniscus damage during a Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia. Despite his importance to Spain, the Spanish Football Federation opted not to call him up for international duty until next year, even though he might be fit for the start of the 2024-25 season.
Marcus Rashford (England):
Marcus Rashford, the Manchester United forward and a key figure for England in recent tournaments, will miss Euro 2024. Despite his previous contributions to the Three Lions, manager Gareth Southgate has decided to exclude Rashford from the squad. This decision signals a significant change for England, which has relied on Rashford’s attacking prowess in past tournaments.
Sandro Tonali (Italy):
Sandro Tonali, the promising midfielder, will sit out Euro 2024 due to a 10-month ban for his involvement in illegal gambling. Tonali, who transferred from AC Milan to Newcastle United, was performing well before the scandal emerged. This suspension not only sidelines him from the tournament but also halts his progress and leaves a gap in Italy’s midfield.
Paul Pogba (France):
Paul Pogba, the Juventus midfielder, will be absent from Euro 2024 due to a four-year ban after testing positive for a banned substance. Battling injuries and now facing a suspension, Pogba finds himself in a heartbreaking situation. Despite his claims of innocence, unless he successfully appeals the suspension, his career with both Juventus and the French national team could be in jeopardy.
As the countdown to EURO 2024 begins, the absence of these top players serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football. While fans lament the loss of their favourite stars, the tournament promises to showcase the talents of emerging players eager to make their mark on the international stage. With Germany set to host the competition, football enthusiasts can look forward to a summer filled with excitement, passion, and unforgettable moments.
Stay tuned for further updates!
