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Reasons why Euro 2024 can be an Epic contest

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Subhomoy Datta
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Reasons why Euro 2024 can be an Epic contest
Euro 2024 can be an Epic contest (FootballTube)

The long wait for the Euro finally gets over today, as the Euro 2024 kicks off with the hosts Germany and Scotland at Munich. This long-awaited tournament is going to be at its all-time high. This edition of the Euro can be anticipated to be the most wide-open contest of recent times.

England and France can once again be considered the top contenders for the season. Other than the favorites, teams like Belgium, Spain, and Portugal are also in contention and will be a serious threat to the top contenders. Alongside them will await the good-looking Dutch side and the hosts Germany, who are looking to end their drought in international tournaments.

But this year’s Euro is not only special for its long list of suitable contenders or players seeking unbeatable form, but several other key factors make Euro 2024 a remarkable contest to come.

Remarkable Atmosphere

The game is to be hosted in Germany, the land of amazing football. The centrally located European nation will facilitate the fans of either team to visit from all around Europe.

Secondly, even the neutral fans in Germany will be seen celebrating some great footballing experience. They will be seen screaming their lungs out to cheer some spectacular football played by any team from any part of Europe.

(image: The New York Times)

Georgia’s Debut

This is the first time that Georgia has qualified for the Euros. The qualification of teams has been diluted, and hence such a system. However, the draw didn’t turn out to be fair for the debutants, as they have been placed alongside Portugal, Turkey, and the Czech in the same group, lowering their chances of advancement into the knockouts.

Southgate’s last attempt

England have been set for this remarkable year for the last 10 years. Southgate would not have overcome their shameful exit from Euro 2016 at the hands of Iceland.

The star-studded English lineup is considered one of the favorites by football enthusiasts around the world, and the English coach would have his last dance with the three lions before he parted with them.

ALSO READ: Top 10 ranked teams in Euro 2024

Ukraine’s entry despite the feeble condition of the nation

Ukraine is not a very unknown name in big tournaments played internationally. Yet this year’s entry has been a moment of pride for their nation and even spectators from all around. This is because the world is well aware of the politically and financially unstable condition of the nation under post-war conditions.

Still overcoming the mass destruction caused by the extensive war, the brave Ukrainians have made it through the European qualifiers to find a place for themselves in the main stage of Euro 2024. Their contention itself adds great spice to the next 4 weeks in Germany.

Race for the Ballon d’Or

(image credit: Sky Sports)

Several players are in contention for the Ballon d’Or, and this time it seems quite likely that a new face will achieve the feat for the first time in their career.

From the finest of forward line players and the major concern for all teams, Kylian Mbappe, who confirmed his latest move to Real Madrid, to several others, of which the most likely would be his new clubmate Jude Bellingham, who will be seen in action for the three lions.

Among these fresh talents, why leave out the likes of two other England players, Phil Foden and Harry Kane, who are probably coming from the most remarkable scoring hunt of his career, which obviously came after his move to the Bundesliga.

With Vinicius Jr. not in the Euro, there seems to be less competition for the contenders, yet the Golden Boot of Euro 2024 will lead to great pride and see a high jump in their individual glory by taking them very near to the Ballon d’Or.

Ronaldo’s last dance

This is one of the biggest reasons why half of the present football world would consider Euro 2024 to be the most iconic of all its editions. The Portuguese GOAT will be seen for the ultimate time in the national jersey, and his nation will surely be looking to give everything it can to bid the legend his most iconic farewell.

(image: CNN)

Ronaldo, now 39, could still be back in contest for the Ballon d’Or if he puts up a valiant effort at the Euro, and though difficult, this seems to be what is desired by all his fans from around the world.

Indian football: Igor Stimac’s side paid the price for a poor world cup qualifiers campaign, not just Qatar’s controversial win

By
Aarna
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Indian football: Igor Stimac’s side paid the price for a poor world cup qualifiers campaign, not just Qatar’s controversial win

Controversial ending against Qatar apart, India paid the price for not beating Afghanistan in the two chances they had. A match-by match recap of stimac’s men at WCQ. India’s best-ever chance to go into the 3rd round of the 2026 FIFA World cup qualifiers, when the main tournament has expanded to a 48-team event, came, hit on Tuesday. They had failing to make an positive impact in their group of Kuwait, Qatar, and Afghanistan during the second round. Their last match against Qatar may have ended synonyms, but it was their overall presentation throughout the group stage that led to their resettlement.

16th November 2023 Vs Kuwait

First match of India of the world cup qualifiers was against Kuwait basically; stimac’s team was in race against Kuwait to be the 2nd team to qualify from Group A along with Qatar.

What happened

A 75th minute goal from Manvir Singh broke the deadlock and gave the India win. It gave hope that India’s debut appearance in the 3rd round of the world cup qualifiers was a go.

Stimac stated “I am not surprised by the outcome, but I always maintain respect for our opponents. However, I have complete confidence in our team and their abilities,”

21th November 2023 Vs Qatar

A Game against Asian champions was always be strong outcome. Specially while Qatar were deep into their composition to defend their AFC Asian cup.

What happened

Qatar scored in within the first five minutes of the first half and second half and then scored in the 86th minute to complete a 3-0 win against India, but one win out of two game have been something Stimac would have taken before the start.

What Stimac said

“Qatar were better team as they have passing quality, they have basic skill and physically fit. It’s all there. It’s really difficult to play Vs them but I appreciate our boy’s commitment ” stimac told.” The result was not my priority today” he added.

27th March 2024 Vs Afghanistan

India needed this win to ensure that their chance in third round was still in their hands. India thanks to a sunil Chhetri penalty kick in the 38th minute. Up to 70th minute they held onto that lead. The visitors then received a penalty in the 88th minute which they took for a popular win.

What Stimac said

“Yes we lost the game of course. I accept the responsibility. I am the coach at the end of the day. But we are 2nd in our group. We are playing decent football. As I said two days ago, we are going to qualify.” Stimac told.

6th June 2024 Vs Kuwait

Sunil Chhetri’s final International game added an extra motive for Indian team to take the win versus Kuwait. This game came with all the pressure that India had deservedly piled onto themselves as observe that their last game would be versus Qatar.

What happened

India missed the chance. And now only a win versus Qatar would chance to India a spot in the 3rd round.

What Stimac said

” Now, we can understand how much we miss beating Afghanistan. We can now see how important it is that we are on top of our game and win points in the game we are expected to gain points from” Stimac told.

11th June 2024 Vs Qatar

A series of missed chances led to this must-win game against the defending Asian Champions. The group led for their part, had already qualified for the next round and had selected 2nd-string team.

What happened

India lead at half-time by a goal and they were playing well but when it like victory was theirs, a controversial goal which was not allowed was given to Qatar. And after 12 minutes they scored again to take the lead and knock India out of the World cup qualifiers.

What Stimac said

” I am not looking for an excuse, but when you have 25 boys working very hard and living the dream to achieve something and you get that dream killed because you didn’t make sure to stop such things from happening that is not something the coaches or players should work on” Stimac told.

England’s chances for the Super-8 still depend on Australia’s mindset in the Scotland game

By
Subhomoy Datta
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0
England’s chances for the Super-8 still depend on Australia’s mindset in the Scotland game
Hazelwood sparks controversy with his awkward mindset about Scotland game (image: ESPNCricinfo)

England, the defending champions, have not had the best start to their T20 World Cup campaign. The first match against Scotland was washed off by rain, though the Scottish men put on a stunning 90-run first-wicket stand.

After their initial encounter, England went on to face Australia, who ended their years-long losing streak at the hands of the English. Buttler and co. ended on the wrong side as Scotland passed them in the points table.

There came a time when England had to depend on Australia to seek their chances further in the cup. Australia, who have already qualified for the Super-8 stage, would look to rest many players for the final match against Scotland.

However, it was due to Australian pacer Josh Hazelwood’s comments in the post-match conference, which sparked a rumor about the Australians letting go of Scotland in the vital encounter so that England could not see through to the Super-8s.


“In this tournament, you potentially come up against England at some stage again; they’re probably one of the top few teams on their day, and we’ve had some real struggles against them in T20 cricket, so if we can get them out of the tournament, that’s in our best interest as well as probably everyone else,”

Hazlewood said after Australia confirmed their Super Eight spot with a clinical win over Namibia before stressing any tactical decisions were not his to make

However, it was firmly said by ICC officials that if such a thing happens and it is anticipated by them, then the Australian skipper will face serious consequences for the same.

However, on the contrary, World Cup-winning captain Pat Cummins claimed that Team Australia is well aware of the spirit of the game.


“I think when you go out and play, you are trying your best every time, and if you are not, that’s probably against the spirit of cricket. I haven’t really thought too deeply because it’s never really popped up,”

Cummins told reporters in St Lucia before the result of the England-Oman match

However, brushing all criticism off, Jos Buttler’s England dominated superiorly and ended the match with 101 balls to spare. With this, they have an advantage over Scotland on run rate, and hence now Scotland has to defeat the mighty Aussies to go past the defending champions for the Super-8 stage.

ALSO READ: Who are the top three favourites to win the T20 World Cup in 2024?

West Indies and Afghanistan rush into the Super-8, with early Kiwi exit

By
Subhomoy Datta
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West Indies and Afghanistan rush into the Super-8, with early Kiwi exit
After West Indies, Afghanistan qualify from Group C confirming Kiwi exit (image: The Quint)

With several surprises, this edition of the T20 World Cup has been the most thrilling in the history of World Cups. Teams like Afghanistan, the United States, and Scotland have taken us all by surprise. One of the first major surprises was the exit of Pakistan from Group A as the USA advanced to the Super-8. On the other hand, the defending champions, England, had yet to fancy their chances for the Super-8. Scotland is in a better position to qualify further.

However, the most thrilling contest anticipated to be in Group C seemed quite one-sided, as the Kiwis failed to impress after facing two losses early on at the hands of both the West Indies and Afghanistan.

The first encounter between Afghanistan and New Zealand saw a clear domination at the hands of the Afghans. In the batting front openers, put on a stunning 100-run stand and put on a total of 160 in front of the NZ’s batters. The frontline pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi and skipper Rashid Khan put on a resisting effort in front of the Kiwi batters and won the match by a huge 84 runs.

ALSO READ: Flawless India advance to the Super-8 despite early trouble at the hands of hosts

New Zealand put all hopes on their next fixture against the West Indies, winning the toss. Kane Williamson put them to bat first, and the 3-quicks excelled as they broke the back of the Windies batting order. Resisting them to 30/5, the co-hosts were in deep trouble at Barbados before Sherfane Rutherford and their lower order, comprising of Hosein, Russell, and Shepherd, took the West Indies to a decent total of 149 in their 20 overs.

However, the Kiwis once again failed on the batting front; Devon Conway continued his lack of form and got out early. Their World Cup star Ravindra and skipper Williamson also got out very early without troubling the scorers.

Mitchell and Finn Allen fell next to the unstoppable Alzarri Joseph, and the West Indies were at the top of their game. After Neesham fell, Glenn Phillips, New Zealand’s only frontline performer from the last T20 World Cup, took his chances on the West Indies bowling attack. Lastly, despite Mitchell Santner’s late heroics in the final over New Zealand, they fell well short by 13 runs to end their race for the Super-8s.

(image: Crictoday)

Lately, on Thursday, Afghanistan, with their third win over PNG, qualified for the Super-8, thus ending all hopes for the Blackcaps. This would remain a nightmare of a tournament for New Zealand, as after several years, they have failed to advance into the playoffs of an ICC World Cup (USA 2024).

Lionel Messi :Inter Miami will be my last club

By
Aarna
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Lionel Messi :Inter Miami will be my last club

Lionel Messi a 36-years-old Argentina captain has announced that Inter Miami will be the final club of his career. Last summer Messi joined the Major League soccer side has a contract with the club until 2025.In a interview with ESPN Lionel Messi expressed his attachment for the game but admitted feeling ” a little bit scared” at the thought of the day he eventually hangs up his boots.

“Inter Miami will be my last club. I love playing football. I am not ready to leave football. I have done this all my life, I enjoy training, the day-to-day, the matches…And yes , there is always a little bit of fear that it’s all over.” Messi stated.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner highlight that he is not yet ready to bid farewell to the sport that has been an integral part of his life.

Right now Lionel Messi is focused on preparing to defend their Copa America title with Argentine national team. The tournament is going to start on 20th June in United States. In the opening match Argentina facing Canada. The team will then take on their Group A contests, Chile, on 25th June, followed by a clash against Peru after four days.

Flawless India advance to the Super-8 despite early trouble at the hands of hosts

By
Subhomoy Datta
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Flawless India advance to the Super-8 despite early trouble at the hands of hosts
SKY and Arshdeep Star in big encounter against USA (News18)

India and the USA, both undefeated, took on each other for the first time in New York. Nothing never seemed to go in favor of Team USA, as the first blow came in the form of injured captain Monank Patel.

In the absence of the skipper, Aaron Jones stepped up as the new captain and suffered a loss at the toss in the hands of Rohit, who put them to bat first on a seaming pitch. Indian pacers too stepped up early to their captain’s aid, as Arshdeep starred in picking early wickets in the powerplay.

USA’s in-form batter Aaron Jones fell to Hardik Pandya, and so did their most internationally experienced campaigner, Corey Anderson. Though India’s most trustworthy aid, Jasprit Bumrah, could not add anything to his tally of wickets, young speedgun Arshdeep took his role and broke the back of the USA batting order.

In a very low-scoring game, the USA could raise a small total of 110 in front of an expert Indian batting lineup. The former Indian turned American left-arm pacer Netravalkar struck early as he removed the two greats of the game, Rohit and Virat, in his first 2-overs of the game. Even India’s reliable batter in these tough conditions, Pant, fell to USA pacer Ali-Khan, and India sank further into trouble.

ALSO READ: Who are the top three favourites to win the T20 World Cup in 2024?

Thousands of fans cheered endlessly in support of some amazing cricket played by the underdogs. India still had their hopes upon Suryakumar Yadav, and he too stood tall alongside Dube and put on a 50+ run partnership to take India home in a low-scoring chase.

USA faced serious troubles with the latest rules of cricket, as the newcomers could not start an over within the next 60 seconds of the previous over on three occasions and were penalized by offering 5-free runs to India, under a stressed situation for either team. This sudden shift of momentum led to the drop of morale of the USA bowlers, and this seemed to upset several cricketing greats as this seemed a bit considerable under such difficult conditions.

Suryakumar scored an unbeaten run-a-ball 50, while Dube hit the winning runs and ended with a 31-run knock. Despite this loss, the USA still remains the favorite to qualify for the Super-8 stage, leaving behind Pakistan. Arshdeep and SKY star in one of the most unconventional yet thrilling victories in the history of the game.

West Indies eye Super-8 spot while taking on undercooked New Zealand

By
Subhomoy Datta
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West Indies eye Super-8 spot while taking on undercooked New Zealand
West Indies the biggest hurdle to New Zealand's campaign ahead in the T20 World Cup (image: CricTracker)

This edition of the T20 World Cup has amused the cricketing world with its unpredictable antics. From slow tracks to large dimensions of ground in the USA and the islands of the West Indies, the games have been quite different from the general flow of the format.

However, the tracks in the West Indies, despite not being very high-scoring, have been far better to bat on. Batters like Gurbaz have relished batting at Barbados and Guyana; however, in spite of this, the largely anticipated greats of New Zealand have faced a major upset early on in the Cup.

Speaking of New Zealand’s tournament opener, the Kiwis crashed in front of a magical effort from the Afghan forces. Batting first, the Afghans, who started with a slow yet very steady 100-run opening partnership, went on to post a total of 159 runs.

Fazalhaq Farooqi started with an absolute skimmer of a delivery as he rattled the stumps wide on the very first ball. New Zealand’s loss of wickets never seemed to stop, as they started to fall like dried leaves. Farooqi, alongside skipper Rashid Khan, kept hunting down the Kiwi batters as the entire innings collapsed for a shameful total of just 75.

With Afghanistan’s huge victory by 84 runs, they have almost confirmed their entry into the Super-8; however, on the contrary, New Zealand are in deep trouble, and any further loss would end their chances in the World Cup.

ALSO READ: After a World Cup semi-final spot snub, unstoppable Afghanistan secures early entry into the Super 8’s

Under such fragile conditions, New Zealand will play the in-form hosts in their second encounter of the World Cup. The West Indies can look to capitalize on such favorable conditions and advance into the Super-8 stage.

[image credit: ESPNcricinfo]



“Definitely, if there’s a good time to play New Zealand, I think it’s now; as you said, they’re a little bit undercooked. The pressure is really on them, because this game decides whether they go on: yes or no. Having said that, we’re not focusing on New Zealand; we’re focusing on what we have to do”

said Powell while addressing their strategy against New Zealand

New Zealand, who have seen a serious and unavoidable dent in their net run rate, will have to win all of their remaining games in order to keep their hopes alive for qualification. As a team of New Zealand’s caliber, facing an early exit is quite disgraceful. They would look to give 100% against the mighty hosts on the Barbados track, which is expected to be low-scoring post heavy rains.

Who are the top three favourites to win the T20 World Cup in 2024?

By
Subhomoy Datta
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0
Who are the top three favourites to win the T20 World Cup in 2024?
ICC T20 World Cup (image: 91mobiles.com)

Cricket is no longer only a gentleman’s game, as it has attained a rugged form with the arrival of mass-hitting formats like the One-Day’s and the T20s. The T20 World Cup is probably the most anticipated and celebrated event of the sport since its initiation in 2007.

With its first-ever edition played back in 2007 and hosted by the Proteas, this year, in 2024, the tournament is being held by a record 20 teams in the ninth edition of the ICC T20 World Cup. The Windies have been the most dominant team alongside England, both winning the cup twice in their eight participations.

There is a lot special about this edition of the tournament, as the United States is for the first time hosting a major ICC cricket tournament, which shows the growing stardom of the gentleman’s game in the nation of rugged sports. Alongside that, Canada and Uganda are all set to make their first-ever T20 World Cup appearances.

With several new teams alongside the old folks in the hunt, let’s look at the possible set of teams who can be favourites in this edition of the T20 World Cup.

WEST INDIES

The host nation has always been one of the forerunning favourites in the shortest format of the game. They enjoyed success back in 2012 and 2016, both under former West Indian all-rounder Darren Sammy.
This year, Nicky P is going to be the skipper for the side, and despite his short stature, the cricketing world is well aware of his 6-hitting calibre. Alongside the skipper, the team is a complete powerhouse; from openers Johnson Charles and Kyle Mayers to finishers Rovman Powell and Andre Russell, the side is full of players who are often regarded as the most fierce 6-hitting talents the sport has ever witnessed.
With some support from the bowlers, the West Indies can be the favourites once again, as the short dimensions and fast tracks are what they prefer to smack the ball out of the park.

INDIA

The Men in Blue have taken their game to a near-perfect level, and hence they can never be left out as favourites in any ICC tournament. Though India has never won the cup since being its inaugural champions in 2007, they have been consistent qualifiers for the knockouts of the tournament.
Previously, Team India climbed the ladder several times before being defeated in the semis by the West Indies or the English. But without fail, with Pant’s inconceivable form and India’s fast bowling maestro Bumrah’s incredible accuracy, India can turn the tables this time around.

ALSO READ: After a World Cup semi-final spot snub, unstoppable Afghanistan secures early entry into the Super 8’s

However, leaving out the vastly experienced skipper Rohit and a few veterans, many of the frontline players are making their debuts in the World Cups. Yet with the caliber of the young guns and led by the skipper from the front, India would once again look to be at the top of the world.
Especially after their final match exit in the 2023 World Cup, the Men in Blue and Rohit Sharma would be desperate to clinch the title.

AUSTRALIA

Last but not least, here comes the World Cup champion, Australia. Australia has been restoring its dominance in both red and white-ball cricket in recent years. After their record 6th World Cup win in 2023, the Kangaroos have been unstoppable as they clinched their first-ever T20 World Cup in 2021 under Aaron Finch.
Remembering the last edition, Team Australia, despite their valiant efforts, could not qualify for the knockouts despite having the same points as the other two qualifiers from Group A. Though they were swept off the 2022 T20 World Cup in their land, different conditions and a different format still keep the Australians in the hunt for the top 3 spots.
Led by skipper Mitchell Marsh, the Aussies are a total balance of youth and experience, as they have the young and unstoppable Head, Cameron Green, and Tim David alongside the vastly experienced Warner, Maxwell, Starc, Cummins, and ace spinner Adam Zampa. This is what makes Australia the recent favourites for the T20 World Cup 2024.

Top 10 ranked teams in Euro 2024

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Subhomoy Datta
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Top 10 ranked teams in Euro 2024
Top contenders for Euro 2024 (image: Goal.com)

With only a week away from kickstarting Euro 2024, major football enthusiasts and experts from around several sports journals and websites have started to pick their favorites for Europe’s most prestigious title.

Sportslila also ranks the top 10 teams of Euro 2024, with standards set by their recent international success and inevitable form of players.

Denmark

The Scandinavians have often been termed the dark horses in recent times. Though they lagged behind all as they crashed from a World Cup group stage exit. This time too, they can be seen as the quite convincing side to make a good comeback in Germany.

Italy

The four-time World Champions have not been considered favorites in the recent history of football. Despite all odds, they emerged as winners of Euro 2020 and would enter Germany crowned as defending champions.

Italy earned a late entry into the main stage of Euro 2024, though nothing seemed to worry the Italian boss, Spalletti. After they missed the contention for the World Cup 2022 in Qatar, they would at least like to make it to the knockout stage of Euro 2024.

(image: The New York Times)

Croatia

Since the 2018 World Cup, this has been a constant name among favorites in major FIFA tournaments. Often referred to as the over-achievers, this Euro might mark the end of a glorious reign in the history of Croatian football, as most of their senior pros are on the wrong side of 30.

They are still contending for one of the best midfield trios in Europe, with Modric, Kovacic, and Brozovic, yet this will be a tough phase for Dalic’s side as they are placed alongside European giants Spain and Italy.

Germany

The hosts have not shown any form or even the slightest of international dependency since their famous victory over Argentina in the finals of the 2014 World Cup. However, with recent flourishment under new boss Julian Nagelsmann and raising their standards against teams like France and the Netherlands, they are considered a great side.

He has the likes of Kimmich, Gundogan, and Kroos, who returned from international retirement. With a world-class attack line, the Germans would advance over a group of soft competitors.

Netherlands

The Dutch’s can be placed over many due to their recent unstoppable form. However, the only major concern for Koeman and co. would be the lack of de Jong and lack of form for the players around the D-box, which has been the only reason behind some of the failures they have faced in recent times.

Van Dijk’s men, if they have the caliber to contest with big opponents, would look to advance through the group placed along with France and Poland and inform Austria.

(image: Sportskeeda)

You May Like It: Rashford, de Jong , Courtois and the stars to miss Euro 2024

Spain

Having had one of the most exciting seasons with the Spanish boss De La Fuente, they once again seem to be at the top of the world with their exciting set of campaigners.

Despite the absence of Gavi, they will have the likes of Pedri, Yamala, and Rodri in the midfield alongside Oyarzabal and Morata, who wear the captain’s armband alongside the peaks of his career.

England

The finalists of Euro 2020 made it to Euro 2024 in a very convincing way. They have not yet been able to end their trophy drought since 1966, making it the longest for a team of this caliber.

Lacking the likes of Sterling, Rashford, and Grealish, whom Southgate decided to opt out due to their bad form,. With major concerns in the defense line as well, the three-lions would make it to the semis for the least, but only if Bellingham and Kane are fit and running.

France

The Frenchmen might be able to convince all with their undeniable form since the 2018 World Cup. The two-time World Cup semi-finalists are unconditionally among the top 3 sides in contention for Europe’s most prestigious title, Germany.

After their valiant effort in the Qatar World Cup final, Mbappe would look to lead the French into yet another spine-chilling ride into the knockouts of Euro 2024.

(image: Transfermarkt)

Belgium

Placed among a very winnable group, the Red Devils have been fit and firing again, along with Roma forward Lukaku and this generation’s greatest playmaker, KDB.

De Bruyne is in line to relish a great summer in Germany, and Tedesco would expect quite some reliance from their senior pros.

Portugal

(image: manutd.com)

Loaded with greats like Cristiano Ronaldo, Patricio, and Pepe, the Portuguese side has a great blend of experience and youth in Neves, Bruno, Vitinha, and Bernardo Silva. The champions of Euro 2016 have all that it takes to lift the Cup once again in 2024.

Under Roberto Martinez, Portugal has been flourishing, storming past all in the qualifiers and being the top priority side in Euro 2024. This can be the least the young Portuguese men can do to bid adieu to the departing GOAT, who would be probably ending his international career with the Euro.

Rashford, de Jong , Courtois and the stars to miss Euro 2024

By
Subhomoy Datta
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Rashford, de Jong , Courtois and the stars to miss Euro 2024
(image credit: Goal.com)

The world is ready to witness yet another spine-chilling contest at Germany. With the Euro just a week away from here, let’s take a good look at some of the crucial names who are set to miss the Euro 2024 for their side owing to various reasons.

Several heavyweights from Europe look to contest the upcoming Euro, and world-class players from different nations come in for international duties, though the absence of several big names seems to be inevitable.

David Alaba

The Austrian centre-back is the most dependable player in his nation, and his absence would be heavily felt in Austria’s Euro campaign. The versatile Madrid defender suffered an ACL injury months ago in December, and his participation chances have been ruled out in the Euro.

Thibaut Courtois

The Belgian is one of the major contributors to his team’s campaigns and major trophy triumphs both at the club and international level. The tall man’s most unlikely to feature in the Euro this year due to his long-standing disagreement with Belgian coach Tedesco.

Frenkie de Jong

Though the Dutch boss included him in his Euro 2024 squad, the presence of the Barca midfielder will be a major area of doubt. He too confirmed that despite all efforts, his ankle would still need some more time and attention before he could return to the field.

Gavi

(image: Getty Images)

One of the most aspiring next-generation players, the Spaniard is set to miss this Euro due to his conflict with the Spanish federation. The decision not to give him an international call until next year seems to be a major setback for the Spanish national side.

Paul Pogba

One of the world’s most highly paid players, their is reasonable doubt over his return to form. Despite all these, Pogba has several other reasons, including successive injuries and his ban over drug usage. The French World Cup champion is set to miss Euro 2024 as well.

Marcus Rashford

The three-lions have seen several major setbacks due to the poor form of players across several competitions. From Jack Grealish, Harry Maguire, and Jordan Henderson to the frontline maestro Rashford, all are set to miss the Euro, paying a price for their inconsistent form.

Raheem Sterling

Another major concern for England has been the absence of their most reliable player, who often has the tendency to step up in big games The Chelsea forward was outperformed by teammate Cole Palmer, and hence he lost his position in Southgate’s squad travelling to Germany.

Joshua Zirkzee

Amid the players with acute stardom, this name would surprise the readers. However, the major contributor to Bologna’s Champions League qualification was expected to make the cut. However, the Dutch forward could not make it to Koeman’s squad for Euro 2024, and he would be a keen spectator this time around.

ALSO READ: 6-players Hansi Flick can look to sign in FCB despite their low purse

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