Best starting XI of players set to miss the Euro 2024

Euro 2024 is just around the corner with the qualification rounds now complete. Twenty-three qualified teams will join hosts Germany for this edition, with six groups of four teams already drawn for the competition to begin.

Every four years, established players from top clubs represent their nations in this tournament looking to win the ultimate prize. There are also several youngsters on the verge of breaking onto the big stage as well. However, several stars also miss out due to injuries, or because their countries failed to qualify.

The upcoming Euro 2024 too will be played without some of Europe’s finest footballers. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best starting XI of players who will miss Euro 2024.

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois | Belgium

The Real Madrid custodian initially suffered a cruciate ligament injury at the start of the ongoing season. After spending eight months on the sidelines, Courtois was all set to make his return to training and eventually playing. However, he suffered a setback and will likely miss the remainder of the campaign.

Initially set to return mid-March, the Belgian injured his meniscus in his right knee, meaning he would need at least two more months to recover. This sets his schedule back considerably, meaning Courtois will be unable to suit-up for Belgium at Euro 2024.

Defence: Benjamin White | England

White’s ongoing stand-off with England manager Gareth Southgate and coach Steve Holland means that he will mostly not be picked for the Three Lions this summer. While his exclusion is still not 100% certain, White being included in the final squad will take some serious reconsideration and backing down from the coaching team.

He has been excellent for Arsenal this season and has barely missed any games and could have been a top player for England had things gone differently.

Defence: Victor Lindelof | Sweden

Sweden failed to qualify for the main draw of the Euros after finishing behind Belgium and Austria in their group. This means Manchester United’s Lindelof will have the summertime to rest and recover in preparation for the next season.

Defence: Sven Botman | Netherlands

Newcastle United’s Botman suffered a cruciate ligament injury earlier this month, which is likely to keep him out of action for at least nine months. This means he will definitely miss the Euro 2024 in Germany.

Even if he was a part of the squad, it would be difficult for Botman to start ahead of the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Virgil van Dijk and Nathan Ake.

ALSO READ: Euro 2024 Power Rankings: Ranking All the Euro 2024 Teams

Defence: David Alaba | Austria

Austria’s captain will unfortunately be unable to lead them during the Euros as he will miss the tournament through injury. Having played a key role in his country’s qualifying campaign, Alaba injured his cruciate ligament midway through the season and will miss the remainder. He will not be fit in time for the Euros, meaning he will miss this edition as well.

Midfield: Sandro Tonali | Italy

Italy are the reigning champions but will be without one of their key midfielders for Euro 2024. They qualified for the tournament by finishing second in Group C behind England.

Sandro Tonali was suspended from all footballing activities for his involvement in a gambling case in 2023. He was found guilty and charged for the offences, and was slapped with a 10-month ban resulting in omission from all of Newcastle’s and Italy’s squad in that timeframe.

Midfield: Gavi | Spain

Spain qualified for the Euros as winners of Group A but will be without one of their most dynamic players for the tournament. Gavi suffered a cruciate ligament injury midway through the current season, having been a revelation for La Roja at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

This means he will spend the summer break recovering and rehabilitating in order to be fit for next season and will miss this edition.

Midfield: Paul Pogba | France

Pogba will miss Euro 2024, and several other tournaments after he was banned from football for four years for doping. The midfielder’s test samples following Juventus’ game against Udinese tested positive for testosterone, which is a controlled substance per UEFA guidelines.

He was found guilty earlier this year, resulting in the ban. Pogba has participated at the tournament for France at both the 2016 and 2020 editions but is unlikely to do so again.

Midfield: Martin Odegaard | Norway

Odegaard will not be a part of Euro 2024 after Norway failed to qualify for the tournament. Scotland, Spain and Georgia qualified ahead of them from Group A following the playoff round.

Having been excellent for Arsenal this season, Odegaard will miss out on another major tournament for his country. However, it is positive in the sense he will get time off to recuperate.

Forward: Alexander Isak | Sweden

Newcastle United’s star-striker will not make an appearance at this edition of the Euros after Sweden failed to qualify for the tournament. Now, Isak can focus on finishing the current season with his club, with a possible big move on the cards for him in the summer.

Forward: Erling Haaland | Norway

Another superstar who will miss Euro 2024 is Erling Haaland, as Norway crashed out of the qualifying stages. Having spearheaded Manchester City to the treble last season, Haaland has continued in his rich vein of form this year as well. However, that unfortunately will not continue in his nation’s colours this summer.

Manager: Jose Mourinho

The Portuguese tactician was relieved from his duties as AS Roma manager earlier this year. However, Mourinho has always expressed his desires to manage at an international tournament and this could have been his perfect chance.

A solid back four, a versatile midfield and two strikers who can do nearly everything on a football pitch. This team needs Mourinho and perhaps, he needs them too!

Best XI to miss Euro 2024: Tabular Form

ALSO READ: Germany legend Philipp praises France’s squad depth prior to Euro 2024 in his own soil