6 players you won't see at the Euros

2016 is a transitional year for many of Europe’s football elite. Many of the squads are rebuilding their teams.

Several senior players have recently retired from the game and some just don’t have the legs they used.

Some players who were called up have been injured and will no longer participate in the tournament.

All these factors make it very difficult to predict who might walk away with the prize.

Here is our countdown of the biggest names that won’t participate in the championships. 

Dani Carvajal

The versatile Real Madrid wingback will be surely missed by the red flame. His bombing runs down the flank and his rugged brand of defence have made him a regular feature in Vicente del Bosque’s squad. Unfortunately for him he was injured in Real’s Uefa Champions League final against Atletico, but he has been replaced by Arsenal’s capable Hector Bellerin. 

Andrea Pirlo

It seems like the end of an era for the Italian Talisman. Pirlo, who inspired his side to a World Cup crown in 2006 won’t represent his country in France. Coach Conte left it late to make a decision about Pirlo and ultimately elected to leave him out. The decision is probably not as a result of Pirlo’s performances as much as a need to rebuild a new and younger squad. 

Marco Reus

The gods simply don’t love Reus. He was watching from a hospital bed last year as the German machine won the World Cup without him after he could not make the team due to injury. Exactly a year later and history has repeated itself. After a spectacular season in Bundesliga, Reus failed a fitness test and will not be on the flight to France.  

Arjen Robben

Not too long ago, there was a time when no team in the world could step onto the pitch with the Netherlands and not be scared. During those days, Robben cemented his place as one of the most menacing wingers in football . Unfortunately the Netherlands’ star has faded and they did not even qualify for the tournament. 32 year old Robben is unlikely to feature in another major international tournament 

Theo Walcott

Even though he has not had a good season, many thought that coach Roy Hodgson would pick Theo Walcott mainly because of his experience but that would not be. As the English look to stamp their authority on the tournament the Arsenal midfielder was seen as surplus and did not make the cut. 

Karim Benzema

 Following a blackmailing scandal involving team-mate Valbuena Benzema was banned by the French Football Federation. They cited that it’s for the harmony of the team. But on the back of a great season which included 29 goals, being runner up in La Liga and a UCL winners medal, there was hope that Benzema would be called. With the lacklustre Giroud and inexperienced Griezmann leading their attack, the French could rue leaving him out.