It is set to be one of the most open and
exciting international tournaments in years, with a host of talent from
across Europe. But a 23-man squad means not everyone can get on the
plane to France, and more so than ever this year, there are a host of
big name players that will be watching on from home, whether it be
through injury, omission or other circumstances.
Didn’t make the cut
Marco Reus (Germany)
On his day, the German star is one of the
top forwards in Europe, but he was deemed a risk due to his injury
prone nature. Surely he was worth taking to spring off the bench, as the
German attack seems limited without him.
Javi Martinez (Spain)
Like Reus, although he is technically not
injured, the Spanish coach fears he may not make it through an entire
tournament due to his constant fitness issues.
Danny Drinkwater (England)
The midfielder should feel very aggrieved
not to have made the squad after his incredible year with Leicester. It
seems like a strange choice to omit him ahead of Jack Wilshere, after
the Arsenal man has endured another injury ridden season.
Alexandre Lacazette (France)
The Lyon striker is coming into his prime
and with a goal every other game last season, he is unlucky to be
ousted, especially as Andre Pierre – Gignac is selected as a striker – a
man who has been plying his trade in Mexico this year.
Juan Mata (Spain)
The emergence of younger more energetic
alternatives in midfield means Mata misses out, as he has never truly
rediscovered the form he had when he played for Chelsea.
Ruled out through injury
Marco Verratti (Italy)
The heartbeat of Italy’s midfield, their
best player will cruelly miss out on Euro 2016 as a groin surgery in May
means he won’t recover in time to play in France.
Vincent Kompany (Belgium)
The long-time captain for club and
country is having a torrid time with injury this year. He will be
especially disappointed seeing as Belgium have a decent chance of going
all the way this year.
Ilkay Gundogan (Germany)
Another midfield maestro misses out due
to injury; he will be bitterly disappointed seeing as he also missed the
out on being a World Cup winner with Germany in 2014.
Dani Carvajal (Spain)
The Real Madrid speedster will miss out
after his injury in the Champions League Final. He was visibly in tears
as he hobbled off, aware that his dreams of winning a European trophy
with his country were dashed.
Punished for their sins
Karim Benzema (France)
The prolific Real Madrid front man misses
out due to his role in a blackmail scandal involving himself and Lyon’s
Mathieu Valbuena.
Mamadou Sakho (France)
Sakho was banned for a drug related
misdemeanour, and then later cleared to play by UEFA, however French
coach Didier Deschamps has still chosen not to pick him.
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