Although Euro 2016 will play host to some of the top names in European football, there are still various individuals set to miss out.
Through a combination of injuries, lack of form and competition for places, it will be disappointing to see many of the names listed below missing from this summer’s showpiece tournament.
While they will undoubtedly continue to cheer on their international teammates, they will have to overcome the disappointment and frustration of having to make alternative plans this summer instead of travelling to France.
Kevin Trapp
After a strong season with Paris Saint-Germain, the German shot-stopper missed out on a place in Joachim Low’s squad. While Manuel Neuer will naturally be the first choice between the posts, Trapp will feel aggrieved not to at least have been selected as a back-up option.
Raul Albiol
The Spaniard was a big part of Napoli’s Serie A title chase this past year, and his consistently solid level of play arguably should have been enough to secure his place in Vicente Del Bosque’s final 23-man squad.
Raphael Varane
The 23-year-old has struggled to displace Sergio Ramos and Pepe at Real Madrid this season, but he continues to be an important part of Didier Deschamps plans with Les Bleus. However, injury has robbed him of a spot in the squad for the hosts.
Vincent Kompany
Similarly to Varane, the Manchester City skipper is ruled out with injury and his absence will be a bitter blow for a Belgium side that rely on his experience and leadership at the back.
Marco Verratti
Picked out as the future of the Azzurri midfield, Verratti suffered late injury woe to end the season with PSG and didn’t make Antonio Conte’s squad. His creativity and quality on the ball will be a major miss for Italy.
Danny Drinkwater
Despite playing a fundamental role in Leicester City’s title-winning campaign, it wasn’t enough for Drinkwater to avoid being cut ahead of the deadline. His exclusion has produced an angry response from some who believe he should be in ahead of other midfielders with question marks over their fitness.
Andrea Pirlo
His move to MLS has cost the veteran as ultimately Conte has gone in a different direction and relied on those still plying their trade in Europe. The absence of the midfield maestro’s brilliance will be noticeable this summer.
Isco
Competition for places at Real Madrid has made it tough for the Spaniard, and it ultimately cost him with La Roja after he failed to make the final cut.
Marco Reus
Another big name that will miss the European Championship through injury is Reus, with Low revealing that it was tough to leave him out but was forced to do so with no guarantee over his fitness for the opening game of the tournament onwards.
Diego Costa
Fitness issues, lack of form at times this season and perhaps other reasons were all considered by Del Bosque when he chose to leave the Chelsea striker out. The likes of Alvaro Morata and Aritz Aduriz will hope to benefit from his exclusion, but a fit and firing Costa would be a headache for any side.
Karim Benzema
Although Eric Cantona and now Benzema himself have attempted to make it about race, his controversial situation involving Mathieu Valbuena ruled the Real Madrid striker out of contention back in April. His goals and general threat up front will be missed by France.
Honorable mentions:
Santi Cazorla, Juan Mata, Christian Eriksen, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Arjen Robben, Miralem Pjanic, Ilkay Gundogan, Claudio Marchisio, Alan Dzagoev.
