On June 14, the best European nations will meet in Germany for Euro 2024 football. While the various coaches all presented their final list to UEFA on June 7, some big names are missing. Between failed season, disagreement with the coach or player at the end of his career, strong choices were made by the different technical staff. A quick overview.
Germany without many big names, Italy skips Immobile and Verratti
Julian Nagelsmann cut it to the chase. Highly anticipated for his first major international competition as Germany coach, the young tactician has made very strong choices. Exit Leon Goretzka, Julian Brandt, Timo Werner or even Serge Gnabry. Unhappy finalists in the last Champions League with Borussia Dortmund, Mats Hummels, Karim Adeyemi and Nicklas Süle were also snubbed by the former Bayern Munich coach who tried to justify his choices “As a coach, you must try to collect the 26 most appropriate character traits. We believe that players best fulfill the role that has been defined for them.
After its absence during the last World Cup, Italy for its part intends to defend its crown as European champion. Recently taken in charge by the experienced Luciano Spalletti, the Nazionale will present itself in Germany with a group rather faithful to its latest releases. Exiled in Qatar for almost a year, the former Parisian Marco Verratti is logically absent, like Ciro Immobile, caught up by his age (34) and a club season where he lost his indisputable starting place.
England: Marcus Rashford forgotten
This is undoubtedly one of the big surprises of the English list. While the Three Lions are among the big favorites of the competition, the British coach has decided to do without Marcus Rashford, author of a more than disappointing season with Manchester United (7 goals in all competitions). The former prodigy, expected as the savior by an entire country in search of a second international trophy since 1966, has been only a shadow of himself for several months.
“These are difficult decisions to make. In the case of Marcus, I just have the feeling that other players in this area have had better seasons,” said Gareth Southgate. The latter also decided not to call up defender Ben White (Arsenal) or even attacking midfielder Mason Mount (Chelsea).
Spain without its Parisians, Belgium without Courtois
On the Spanish side, Luis de la Fuente has decided to do without PSG players. Indeed, its list made up of certain young prodigies like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi does not include Marco Asensio, Carlos Soler or even the former Parisian Pablo Sarabia.
Our Belgian neighbors will travel without one of the big stars of their squad in the person of Thibaut Courtois, recently returned from injury and winner of the Champions League with Real Madrid. The coach of the Red Devils assured that the goalkeeper, although impressive in goal for his return, was not ready. “He was honest with me, very early in the way he communicated, he knows his body, it’s one thing to play three or four matches, another to make the Euro,” said Domenico Tedesco. “He is not ready for the Euro, and we have to play with those who can.”
A justification that the main person concerned barely appreciated, responding to him on the social network X (formerly Twitter) with three “Pinocchio” emojis. As a reminder, relations became strained between Courtois and the Belgian coach during the summer of 2023, between accusations via the media and clashes in the locker room.
Ødegaard and Haaland: the Euro on TV
One thing is certain, if Norway had managed to qualify for the competition, they would have been one of the attractions of the competition. Unfortunately for Martin Ødegaard and Erling Haaland, the Euro will only be available on the small screen. The next international objective for the two Premier League stars is to qualify their team for the next World Cup which is due to take place in 2026 and which will be organized jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico.