Even though the ongoing European club season has not yet finished, fans are already turning their attention towards the summer when UEFA Euro 2024 gets underway in Germany. The tournament will begin on June 14th when the hosts battle it out against Scotland in Munich and, exactly one month later, Europe’s two finest footballing nations will put it all on the line in Berlin with the aim of becoming European champions.
Oddschecker, which compares the best odds and free bets on European football, have made England the early favourites for glory at the tournament, despite their recent elimination at the hands of France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Perhaps surprisingly, the back-to-back World Cup finalists Les Bleus are the second favourites, while the hosting Die Mannschaft are third in the betting list.
But with the tournament looming large on the horizon, there are a number of icons that will likely never feature at the tournament again once this summer’s spectacle concludes.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal
At the twilight of an illustrious career that has seen him conquer leagues in England, Spain, and Italy, Cristiano Ronaldo is undeniably one of football’s greatest-ever talents. With a trophy cabinet that boasts five Ballon d’Or awards, five UEFA Champions Leagues, and a European Championship in 2016, the Portugal captain’s hunger for success has been insatiable. However, at the ripe old age of 39, this tournament is widely expected to be his swansong on the European stage.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup didn’t go as expected for CR7. He was ultimately dropped for youngster Goncalo Ramos as the Selecao exited at the quarterfinal stage. However, under new manager Roberto Martinez, the Al Nassr hitman has regained his spot in the national team and has been in scintillating form. Ronaldo was the second top scorer throughout qualifying with nine goals in eight games, and he will be aiming to extend his record of 14 goals in the tournament proper.
Luka Modric – Croatia
A crucial teammate of Ronaldo in the Real Madrid team that won the Champions League four times in five years, Croatia captain Luka Modric is also expected to feature at the Euros for the last time this summer.
The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder was instrumental in Croatia’s fairy-tale run to the World Cup final in 2018. His performances earned him the prestigious Ballon d’Or that year, breaking the decade-long duopoly of Messi and Ronaldo in the process. However, Modric will be 38 years old two months after the tournament concludes, and it is highly unlikely that he will pull on a Croatia shirt again.
Toni Kroos – Germany
Another crucial member of perhaps the most successful Los Blancos team in history, Toni Kroos may also bow out from the international limelight in 2024. He is somewhat younger than his former and current Bernabeu teammates Ronaldo and Modric. However, Kroos will be 38 by the time the UEFA Euro 2028 rolls around, and it is highly unlikely that he will be in the middle of Germany’s engine after that summer.
Kroos has enjoyed a glittering career, winning the World Cup in 2014 as well as numerous titles with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. However, with Kroos advancing in age, this European Championship is likely to be his curtain call for Germany. Fans will be hoping for one last masterclass from the midfield maestro.
Kyle Walker – England
Kyle Walker’s blistering pace, defensive solidity, and attacking prowess from the right-back position have made him a vital player for both England and Manchester City. Walker has been a mainstay in an England team that has undergone a renaissance under Gareth Southgate, reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the finals of Euro 2020.
As one of the senior members of the squad, this tournament is expected to be Walker’s final opportunity to help bring football home. At 33 years old, he may well be edged out by younger talent in future Euro competitions.