Best players not going to Euro 2016

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.

Dejan Lovren (Croatia)

The commanding Liverpool centre half misses out due to a bust up with the coach Ante Cacic. He will be a huge miss in what looks to be a weak Croatian defence.