Euro 2016: World-class players missing in France, including Benzema, Kompany, Gundogan

A number of world-class stars are going to be present in France to represent their respective national teams in Euro 2016. But some big names, unfortunately, will have to watch the game from home. As always, there are some players, who fail to make it to the national squad. Some may have been ignored by coaches, while others have suffered injuries which has caused them to miss the football party, which starts on Friday.

There are so many stars missing from Euro 2016, so much so, that a solid team can be made from the absentees, and on paper, they seem to be formidable, and, indeed, capable of lifting the title.

Here is a look at the Missing Euro XI (4-3-3)

Jack Butland (GK, England)

The Stoke City goalkeeper has had an incredible season for the club, but his chances of featuring for England came crashing down after he injured his ankle against Germany in March during an international friendly. Though Joe Hart is England's number one, Butland could have been a great option for manager Roy Hodgson, if his number one got injured.

Dani Carvajal (Right-back, Spain)

The Real Madrid defender was in tears after sustaining a hip injury in the Champions League final, ruling him out of the Euro 2016. One man's loss is another's gain, and in this case it was Arsenal's Hector Bellerin, who was picked in the squad. It remains to be seen if Carvajal's absence will effect Spain's performance in Euro 2016.

Vincent Kompany (Central Defender, Belgium)

The Manchester City defender is one of the best defenders in the world, with his strong and timely tackles, along with his aerial threat during setpieces making him great. He will be missed by Belgium in Euro 2016. In a season filled with injuries for the Belgian, a muscle injury against Real Madrid in the Champions League led to his Euro absence. Belgium are one of the strongest teams, and they will have to do without their leader at the back.

Dejan Lovren (Central defender, Croatia)

This name should not have even figured in the list. He is not injured, and in fact played some great football with Liverpool. However, a fallout with manager Ante Cacic in March has led to his exclusion. Cacic did not like his approach after not being fielded against Hungary. Lovren had said he will not go to the Euros as a bench player, and Cacic did not pick him.

Luke Shaw (left-back, England)

The young left-back from Manchester United has faced injury problems in the past, and the same has led to his absence in Euro 2016. PSV Eindhoven's Hector Moreno's challenge in a Champions League clash led to a unfortunate double fracture on his right leg. His delivery from the left flank will be severely missed by England.

Juan Mata (right-midfield)

Now, this Manchester United player was fit, and playing for his club at a decent level. But there is too much competition in the Spain midfield that the former Chelsea man was not given a ticket by Vicente Del Bosque. Fair decision, though.

Ilkay Gundogan (centre midfield, Germany)

Another silky midfielder, who had he been there in France would have dazzled with his skills, will be missing from action in France due to knee injury. Despite missing the competition, and not expected to feature for the next four months or so, Manchester City have already signed the German, which talks volume about the maestro's value.

Santi Cazrola (left midfield, Spain)

In a team studded with quality midfielders, he could not even figure in the provisional 25-man squad. Manager Vicente Del Bosque did not risk taking Cazrola, who is one of the best midfielders when on song, as he only returned from a five-month injury layoff at the end of the season for Arsenal. His long absence affected Arsenal's chances in the title race, but will it effect Spain in Euro 2016?

Arjen Robben (right-wing, Netherlands)

With Netherlands failing to qualify for the Euro 2016, there are a number of stars, who will be sorely missed and none more so than Robben, who is one of the best wingers in the modern game. What will we miss? The way he dazzles and drifts inside from the wing, his burst of pace, dribbling skills and many more.

Karim Benzema (centre-forward, France)

The Real Madrid forward is one of the best in Europe, and it is unfortunate that France's best striker will not play for the hosts. Benzema has not been picked by the manager, Didier Deschamps, owing to a suspension stemming from a blackmaling case.

Marco Reus (left-wing, Germany)

Some players are always unlucky, and miss major competitions for one reason or the other. Reus falls in that bracket. After missing out in the 2014 World Cup with an injury, the player, despite his skills, has been left out of the squad for Euro 2016 as his fitness was a concern for coach Joachim Low.

Substitutes:

Deigo Costa (Forward, Spain), Danny Welbeck (Forward, England), Isco (Midfielder, Spain), Claudio Marchisio (Midfielder, Italy), Mahmadou Sakho (Defender, France), Aymeric Laporte (Defender, France) Fabio Coentrao (Defender, Portugal).