Euro 2024 is just around the corner, and with the qualification group stage complete, we now have a clear picture of which players will not be participating in the tournament. A total of 21 nations failed to make it through the qualifiers, meaning that some prominent players will be denied the chance to represent their country on the grand stage in Germany. Let’s take a closer look at some of these players and what they could have brought to the tournament.
Caoimhin Kelleher, the Republic of Ireland and Liverpool goalkeeper, has shown promise despite having limited senior starts under his belt. Although he has been mainly on Jurgen Klopp’s bench this season, Kelleher has proven his mettle when given the chance in the past. His penalty-saving abilities, as well as his contribution in scoring penalties, make him a valuable asset to any team.
Defender: Victor Lindelöf
Victor Lindelöf, the Manchester United defender and captain of the Sweden national team, unfortunately fell short of reaching Euro 2024. While Sweden made it through to the knockout phase at Euro 2020, they finished third in their qualifying group this time. Lindelöf’s experience and leadership at the back would have been an asset to Sweden’s defense in the tournament.
Defender: Stefan Savic
Stefan Savic, the Montenegro and Atletico Madrid center-back, missed out on Euro 2024 despite his success at the club level. With previous experience winning titles in both the Premier League and LaLiga, Savic’s expertise could have been valuable to Montenegro’s defense in the tournament.
Defender: Jonny Evans
Jonny Evans, the Northern Ireland defender who recently returned to Manchester United, would have hoped to represent his country at the finals next year. Despite being close to his 36th birthday, Evans has featured regularly for United this season, demonstrating his continued ability and commitment to the game.
Dejan Kulusevski, the Tottenham midfielder from Sweden, has been a popular addition to the team this season. Although Sweden did not qualify for Euro 2024, Kulusevski’s presence on the right-hand side of the attack and his goal-scoring ability would have been valuable assets to any team in the tournament.
Martin Ødegaard, the Arsenal midfielder from Norway, is undeniably one of the biggest stars to miss out on Euro 2024. Although his absence might not come as a shock considering Norway’s lack of qualification in recent years, Ødegaard’s talent and playmaking abilities would have offered a creative spark to any team in the tournament.
Midfielder: Anthony Elanga
Anthony Elanga, the Nottingham Forest midfielder from Sweden, has made a strong impact in his first season with the club. Despite only featuring in two of Sweden’s Euro 2024 qualifiers, Elanga managed to score in the thrashing of Azerbaijan. His versatility and ability to contribute both goals and assists would have been assets to any team in the tournament.
Evan Ferguson, the 19-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion forward from the Republic of Ireland, has been a breakout star in the Premier League in recent years. With five goals in 11 league games, including a memorable hat trick against Newcastle, Ferguson’s goal-scoring prowess and potential would have made him an exciting addition to any team in Euro 2024.
Forward: Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland, the prolific striker from Norway who currently plays for Manchester City, is known for his incredible goal-scoring record. Although injury issues limited his involvement in Norway’s Euro 2024 qualification campaign, Haaland’s ability to find the back of the net would have made him a constant threat in the tournament.
Alexander Isak, the Newcastle forward from Sweden, has had an impressive season so far. With six goals in eight Premier League games, Isak played a key role in Newcastle’s victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League group stage. His speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability would have made him an exciting addition to any team in Euro 2024.
While these players will not be participating in Euro 2024, their talent and potential cannot be denied. Each player brings something unique to the table, whether it’s goalkeeping prowess, defensive solidity, midfield creativity, or attacking threat. Although they won’t have the opportunity to showcase their skills on the grand stage, they have already made their mark at the club level and will undoubtedly continue to make an impact in the future. Euro 2024 will undoubtedly be an exciting tournament, but it’s unfortunate that these players won’t be a part of it.