Euro 2024 was a spectacular tournament filled with shocks, drama and outstanding performances, but as with every international tournament there are always players who fail to live up to expectations.
It is common for players from top sides who have endured gruelling domestic and European seasons to not be in peak physical condition come the start of international training camps, but many manage to find an extra edge to show their quality on the biggest stage. On the other hand, some of the world’s star talents flatter to deceive and leave the tournament with their tails between their legs.
Here are four players who failed to hit their potential at Euro 2024.
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Cristiano Ronaldo
At 39-years-old Cristiano Ronaldo still possesses all the drive and determination that he had in his younger years, but Euro 2024 felt like a sad finale to his international career. The legendary forward failed to score in any of Portugal’s five matches, including a missed penalty against Slovenia.
It remains to be seen if Portugal coach Roberto Martinez will persist with Ronaldo as his main striker going forward – the lack of movement and influence on games was a damning indictment of his waning powers.
Harry Kane
Despite finishing the tournament as joint-top goalscorer, Harry Kane’s lethargic play during Euro 2024 led to criticism from the English public as The Three Lions avoided embarrassment in multiple matches to eventually reach the final.
The impact of younger, more athletic forwards like Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins left many fans wondering if football may well have come home had Gareth Sotuhgate rolled the dice more with his team selection.
Kylian Mbappé
Regarded as one of the world’s best players for the last six years, Kylian Mbappé’s Euro 2024 was a disappointing affair. After breaking his nose in France’s first match, Madrid’s mercurial new number nine failed to influence matches like we’ve seen him on the international stage in years gone by, leading to France’s semi-final elimination.
Phil Foden
Touted as a potential difference maker for England before the tournament after a superb season for EPL winners Manchester City, Phil Foden failed to score or assist a goal at Euro 2024. Gareth Southgate played Foden on both wings and in behind Harry Kane, but he looked like a shadow of his potential self during the tournament before England were overpowered by Spain in the final.
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