Influencer Editorial Team
From Norway’s Erling Haaland to England’s Marcus Rashford, several star players will be notably absent from Euro 2024. The UEFA European Championship is set to begin on June 14 with 24 teams vying for the championship title.
Norway’s Messy Qualification Leaves Top Duo Stranded
Norway’s failure to qualify for Euro 2024 means that both Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard will miss the tournament. Despite impressive individual performances in the Premier League, with Odegaard narrowly missing out on the Premier League title and Haaland leading Manchester City to another victory, their national team fell short.
Norway, which last participated in a major tournament in 2000, finished a disappointing third in their qualifying group behind Spain and Scotland. Their hopes were further dashed in the playoffs. Haaland’s six goals and Odegaard’s two were insufficient to secure Norway’s spot in the competition. With additional talent like Fredrik Aursnes, Oscar Bobb, and Julian Ryerson, Norway’s absence is a significant disappointment for their fans.
Manchester United Duo Miss England Call After Poor Season
Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho of Manchester United have both been left out of England’s Euro 2024 squad. Rashford, who had a stellar season previously, experienced a dramatic dip in form, scoring only eight goals in 43 games across all competitions. His exclusion is a major shock for English fans accustomed to seeing him in Gareth Southgate’s lineup.
Sancho, after struggling in the first half of the season at Manchester United, rediscovered his form on loan at Borussia Dortmund, helping them reach the Champions League final. However, his resurgence came too late to secure a spot in the England squad.
Pogba Leaves a Huge Hole in France’s Midfield
France will be without Paul Pogba, whose influential presence helped them win the 2018 World Cup. Pogba, who missed the 2022 World Cup due to injuries, has been handed a four-year doping ban, ruling him out of the Euros and the 2026 World Cup. This leaves a significant gap in France’s midfield, as Pogba’s technical prowess and leadership were pivotal for the team.
In his absence, France will rely on younger talents like Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni to step up and fill the void left by Pogba’s suspension.
Euro 2024 will undoubtedly miss the presence of these star players, each of whom has made significant contributions to their clubs and countries. Their absence underscores the unpredictable and challenging nature of international football, where even the most talented individuals sometimes face insurmountable obstacles.
