Euros: The best XI who won't be in Germany

The 24 nations for the Euros have been confirmed and with some big countries missing out, several footballing stars have the summer off.

Here is our selection of the best XI, selected in an admittedly attacking 4-2-4, of those who will not be present in the summer, although they all have plenty to play for in the coming months.

GK: Lukas Hradecky - Finland

A soon-to-be Bundesliga champion, Finland's defeat to Wales means goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky can now focus on Bayer Leverkusen's form.

Still unbeaten, Die Werkself are 10 points clear in the Bundesliga but that's not all. They are also unbeaten in both the DFB-Pokal and Europa League, with the German side favourites for the cup and 7/2 for their maiden European trophy.

RB: Conor Bradley - Northern Ireland

Part of Liverpool's emerging generation of starlets, Conor Bradley could be the player that accelerates Trent Alexander-Arnold's long-anticipated switch to a regular midfield role.

The 20-year-old scored the winner in Northern Ireland's 1-0 friendly win over Scotland and looks set to be a regular for both club and country for years to come.

CB: Stefan Savic - Montenegro

A relatively new country still to qualify for its first international tournament, Montenegro's Stefan Savic may never get to represent his nation on the biggest stage.

At 33, his chance could have gone, a shame for a player of his quality, with the ex-Manchester City defender helping Atletico Madrid win La Liga in 2020/21.

CB: Joe Rodon - Wales

Joe Rodon is still to truly make it in the Premier League but with Tottenham keen to sell, he should be able to find a regular top-flight place beyond this summer, whether with current loan club Leeds or another willing buyer.

The 26-year-old was magnificent in Wales' play-off defeat to Poland and, after stagnating at Spurs, is showing good form at Elland Road.

LB: Kostas Tsimikas - Greece

A candidate for Liverpool's 'Most Improved Player' award over the last 18 months, injuries have possibly seen Kostas Tsimikas fall behind Joe Gomez in the battle to be Andrew Robertson's primary back-up. However, with the Scot going off against Northern Ireland, he could get more regular minutes in the coming months.

The 27-year-old played all 120 minutes of Greece's play-off defeat to Georgia and after helping the Reds win the EFL Cup, will be hoping to channel his international frustration into Liverpool's bid to add the Premier League and Europa League to their trophy haul.

CM: Eljif Elmas - North Macedonia

A victim of the fallouts at Napoli, Eljif Elmas joined RB Leipzig in January and his incrementally increasing minutes in recent weeks suggests he is enjoying himself in Germany.

Unfortunately, he will not be part of the tournament staged in his new adopted home after North Macedonia finished fourth in Group C and can focus on helping Die Bullen's top four push this term.

CM: Martin Odegaard - Norway

Qualification has been unkind to the Scandinavians and Norway's Martin Odegaard is another who is set to have the summer off.

The majority of his international colleagues lack his quality, but he doesn't have that issue at club level at Arsenal, who remain in contention for both the Premier League and Champions League this season.

RW: Dejan Kulusevski - Sweden

The first of two Swedish wide players selected for this side, Dejan Kulusevski couldn't stop the Blagult from missing out on a place in Germany, finishing behind Belgium and Austria in Qualifying.

A skilful yet understated player, the 23-year-old will be key to Tottenham's hopes of finishing in the top four this season.

ST: Evan Ferguson - Ireland

Evan Ferguson made the headlines for seeing a penalty saved in the Republic of Ireland's 0-0 friendly draw against Belgium and also missed out on a goal against Switzerland.

Ferguson will look to make amends for Brighton as they prepare to face Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool at Anfield this weekend.

ST: Erling Haaland - Norway

Erling Haaland is the second Norwegian to make our list. He netted six times in qualifying, including a pair of braces against Cyprus, but that wasn't enough to see his country through.

Like Odegaard, the City star has unlimited talent around him at the Etihad, with Pep Guardiola's side remaining in the hunt for a second successive Treble of trophies.

LW: Alexander Isak - Sweden

Another stylish forward who won't be heading to Germany is Alexander Isak, who missed Sweden's qualifiers in October and November due to injury.

After another encouraging yet frustrating season with injuries, Magpies fans will hope Isak can put a run of games together and help the Geordies push for European qualification.