Euro 2016: The Unlucky XI - Players who will miss this summer's tournament
Fans who just cannot get enough of football action will be happy that there are two major tournaments after the end of the current season. As domestic leagues wrap up their campaigns and also the knockout competitions, two continents will have their own tournaments – the Copa America and Euro 2016.
Euro is arguably the more popular tournament and the most-watched international tournament after the FIFA World Cup. With an all-new format, the 15th edition of the tournament will now see 24 teams taking part as it kicks off in France in the second week of June.
But a number of players are, sadly, already ruled out of the quadrennial tournament. In fact, there are enough top players to form a combined team. (No, we’re not talking about Netherlands here)
Formation: 3-5-2
Goalkeeper
While four goalkeepers are vying for the Premier League Golden Glove award this season, Stoke City’s Jack Butland could have been on the list had he not suffered an injury on international duty in March. In England’s 3-2 win over Germany, the 23-year-old shot-stopper had to be stretchered off after he fractured his ankle.
The injury saw him require a surgery that ruled him out for at least three months; effectively the end of June before he could even step on the pitch, let alone start training and get back to full fitness and match sharpness.
“I don't think it (Euro 2016) is going to be an option for me now, to be honest.” Butland had said. “Because I won't be able to play again between now and the end of the season.”
It was also a huge blow for the Potters who were flying high in the top half of the table before his injury. Stats also showed Butland to be right up there with Joe Hart and Petr Cech in the EPL.