Big Stars to Miss Euro 2024: Haaland, Rashford Among Key Absentees

As the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament draws near, excitement is building for the event set to take place in Germany from June 14 to July 14, 2024. While the tournament promises to highlight Europe’s elite football talent, several prominent players will be absent due to various reasons, including team selection choices and their nations’ failure to qualify.

One of the most significant absentees is Erling Haaland, the prolific Norwegian striker. Haaland, alongside his teammate Martin Odegaard, will miss the tournament, much to the disappointment of fans who were eager to see their impact on the international stage.

England, despite its deep talent pool, will be without several notable players. Head coach Gareth Southgate’s final squad omits Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish, Reece James, Harry Maguire, James Maddison, Jadon Sancho, and Ben White. This decision has sparked discussions among fans and pundits alike about the strategic direction of the team.

Germany, the host nation, will also see some key players absent, including Mats Hummels and Serge Gnabry. Their absence will be felt as Germany aims to impress on home soil.

Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois, France’s Lucas Hernandez and Christopher Nkunku, Spain’s Pablo Gavi, Austria’s David Alaba, Italy’s Sandro Tonali, Portugal’s Raphael Guerreiro, and Sweden’s Alexander Isak are among other notable names missing from the tournament lineup.

In a statement reflecting on the absences, a football analyst noted, “The absence of these high-profile players will definitely impact the dynamics of the tournament, but it also opens opportunities for new talents to emerge and shine on the European stage.”

Despite these absences, Euro 2024 is set to be a thrilling spectacle. Germany, having secured the right to host the event in 2018 by beating out Turkey, will be looking to capitalize on home advantage. The tournament will kick off in Munich on June 14 and conclude with the final in Berlin on July 14.

The full list of key absentees includes:

1. Erling Haaland (Norway)

2. Marcus Rashford (England)

3. Jack Grealish (England)

4. Reece James (England)

5. Mats Hummels (Germany)

6. Martin Odegaard (Norway)

7. Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)

8. Harry Maguire (England)

9. Lucas Hernandez (France)

10. James Maddison (England)

11. Pablo Gavi (Spain)