Starting XI and squad of stars that were overlooked for Euro 2016
Published:
Sam Barnard, Assistant Sports Editor | May 22, 2016
With all 24 preliminary squads now called out for Euro 2016, although Italy and Wales are yet to confirm Juventus and Real Madrid star(s) respectively due to club commitments, Coral have picked a starting XI and squad of players that failed to make the cut.
Not including injured names, such as Vincent Kompany, Ilkay Gundogan and Marco Verratti, here is our line-up. Do you agree? Let us know in the comments section below…
Goalkeeper: Kevin Trapp (Germany)
It might be a surprise that former Frankfurt stopper Trapp, 25, is still uncapped for 4/1 second-favourites Die Mannschaft, but he’s been a near ever-present for PSG in their impressive Ligue 1 title triumph, keeping 19 clean sheets.
However, Germany boss Joachim Low has gone for uncapped Bayer Leverkusen goalie Bernd Leno as the third choice behind Manuel Neuer and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Right back: Hector Bellerin (Spain)
One of the most surprising omissions from the Euros is Arsenal youngster Bellerin, who was arguably the North Londoners’ best player this campaign, getting into the PFA Team of the Season in the process.
What more can the former Barcelona academy starlet do to get in? Unfortunately for him, La Roja are blessed with talent at right back, with Juanfran, Dani Carvajal and Cesar Azpilicueta all called up instead.
Centre back: Matthias Ginter (Germany)
Borussia Dortmund’s versatile 22-year-old Ginter is one of Germany’s most promising defenders, yet misses out, along with Leicester City Premier League winner Robert Huth, on their 27-man preliminary squad.
Centre back: Dejan Lovren (Croatia)
Lovren doesn’t miss out due to others being rated better in the Croatia squad, but because of a fallout with national boss Ante Cacic.
The improved Liverpool centre back reportedly declared that he won’t go to the France finals unless guaranteed a starting place, so Cacic called his bluff and left him out.
Left back: Juan Bernat (Spain)
Another Spain player makes it into our side at full back, as Bayern Munich’s Bernat was unlucky to be overlooked in favour of Jordi Alba and Azpilicueta.
Right wing: Kevin Mirallas (Belgium)
Belgium called up a strong-looking squad, particularly in attack, and could afford to leave out household Premier League names and such as Mirallas, Nacer Chadli and Adnan Januzaj.
Perhaps Mirallas failed to make the cut due his club Everton’s below-par season. He is on standby, however, if anyone pulls out.
Centre midfield: Michael Carrick (England)
Carrick may be getting on, now aged 34, but would his experience have been useful for 17/2 title shouts England at the Euros?
His performance for Manchester United in the FA Cup final win against Crystal Palace shows that he still has the ability and fitness, having played all 120 minutes.
Centre midfield: Morgan Schneiderlin (France)
At least Frenchman Schneiderlin can keep clubmate Carrick company, after also missing out on a call-up. However, the 26-year-old will have been more gutted with the finals being in his homeland.
Left wing: Juan Mata (Spain)
Another Man Utd man that will have to watch his team from the comfort of his own home, and perhaps more surprisingly, is Mata.
The skilful Spaniard has 41 caps for La Roja, while is also a World Cup and European Championship winner with them, but has been overlooked by Vicente del Bosque.
Striker: Alexandre Lacazette (France)
West Ham United target Lacazette will be left wondering why he will not link up with France at the Euros, after smashing in 23 goals this term for Lyon.
On top of that, he was also top scorer and Play of the Year in Ligue 1 last season, but misses out at the expense of Mexico-based Andre-Pierre Gignac (40/1 to be leading tournament marksman).
Striker: Karim Benzema (France)
The above’s omission is all the more surprising given that France’s star striker Benzema has also not been picked, although for differing reasons.
Didier Deschamps and the French FA decided after the sex tape scandal with Mathieu Valbuena to avoid taking either.
Rest of squad of 23
Ben Foster (England)
Mathieu Debuchy (France)
Inigo Martinez (Spain)
Robert Huth (Germany)
Gokhan Inler (Switzerland)
Miguel Veloso (Portugal)
Ander Herrera (Spain)
Theo Walcott (England)
Nacer Chadli (Belgium)
Paco Alcacer (Spain)
Domenico Berardi (Italy)
Diego Costa (Spain)
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