BRUTAL decisions are being made by managers across the continent as they reveal their squads for Euro 2024.
Jack Grealish was the most high-profile name initially selected by Gareth Southgate to be axed as the boss cut down the England squad from 33 to 26.
But the Manchester City star was not the only star left “devastated” as squads were released with less than a week to go until the tournament kicks-off.
Here, SunSport make an XI of stars not chosen by their managers – with players out injured not included.
And the team is surely good enough to compete with the strongest nations this summer.
GK: Thibaut Courtois
The Real Madrid No1 had a difficult season with injury but was fit for Euros selection.
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However, he has been controversially left out by Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco after a public fall out.
The boss took the captain’s armband off him for a qualifier against Estonia and left Courtois furious.
He claims Tedesco has not explained his decision and their relationship has never recovered.
The boss told the press he has tried to invite him back into the fold.
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Courtois then accused Tedesco of lying on social media.
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Right-back: Pedro Porro
Porro, who has three caps for Spain, enjoyed a solid season at Tottenham.
But manager Luis de la Fuente opted for Dani Carvajal and veteran Jesus Navas instead.
Centre-backs: Mats Hummels and Pau Torres
Hummels was one of Borussia Dortmund’s standout players as they made an incredible run to the Champions League final.
But the experienced 35-year-old was not selected by Julian Nagelsmann as he opts for a more youthful-looking squad.
Pau Torres will also feel he is unlucky to not be selected by Spain after helping Aston Villa qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Left-back: Ian Maatsen
Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has played veteran Daley Blind and Tottenham centre-half Micky van de Ven on the left side of defence in warm-up games.
Despite him never earning a cap, it is shock to see Maatsen’s snubbed after a strong loan spell at Dortmund from Chelsea.
Centre-midfielders: Emre Can and Leon Goretzka
Again, Nagelsmann’s huge calls continue as he leaves out Dortmund captain Can and Bayern Munich star Goretzka.
They have exactly 100 caps between them.
Right-wing: Michael Olise
England have four Crystal Palace stars in their squad but perhaps the Eagles’ best player is not on the plane to Germany.
Olise is still waiting for his first senior France call-up.
No.10: Jack Grealish
On his absence, Southgate said: “I have just delivered a really difficult conversation to a lad who is devastated. I think the world of him as a kid.
“It certainly doesn’t get any easier. You put yourself in the shoes of a player, a parent. You understand that for these players this is a devastating moment.”
Grealish could be flying to Ibiza for a holiday instead of Germany for the Euros, with rival players from the host nation shocked as they feared playing against him.
Left-wing: Marcus Rashford
Rashford struggled for form with Manchester United this season, scoring just eight goals.
But despite being reliable in the past for the Three Lions, it was not enough to earn a place on the plane.
Striker: Christopher Nkunku
Nkunku had a tough debut season at Chelsea as he battled injury.
And his stop-start campaign saw him fail to make the France squad.
Didier Deschamps said: “Of course Nkunku could’ve been called, but he had a complicated season.
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“He played some minutes recently, but it wasn’t quite enough.”
Subs bench:
Kevin Trapp, Jarrad Branthwaite, Malo Gusto, Jurrien Timber, Raphael Guerreiro, Manuel Locatelli, Julian Brandt, Moussa Diaby and Joshua Zirkzee.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
