Euro 2024: The Biggest Losers From Week One
GlobePRwire
Euro 2024 has started with a bang and after the first round of group-stage fixtures, storylines are beginning to pop up across the tournament.
Most of the big boys got off to winning starts, with Belgium’s defeat to Slovakia the only major shock from round one.
And to celebrate a scintillating first week of action in Germany, we’ve picked out three of the biggest losers so far.
#3 Phil Foden
“Phil Foden’s on fire’ was the chant from the England fans heading into their first group match against Serbia, but a quiet showing put out the pre-tournament spark.
It was by no means a torrid performance from Foden, who appeared to be the makeweight for star boy Jude Bellingham in Gareth Southgate’s system.
However, on the back of a Premier League Player of the Year-winning campaign with Manchester City, more was expected of the ‘Stockport Iniesta’ in England’s opener.
Questions over his suitability in the England team have been raised, with the likes of Anthony Gordon, Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins waiting in the wings.
Expect him to be given another chance during the group stage, but if performances are similarly quiet, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Foden ushered out of the side.
#2 Kylian Mbappe
It was a Monday night to forget for Kylian Mbappe, who despite putting the cross in for the winning own-goal, was left frustrated following his evening’s work.
Yet to score at the European Championship, Mbappe looked destined to end his drought when he burst through on goal midway through the second half against Austria.
But much to the surprise of all 54,000 people in the Dusseldorf Arena, the 2018 World Cup winner skewed his right-footed effort wide.
Things went from bad to worse for the Real Madrid ace when a collision with Austrian defender Kevin Danso led to Mbappe suffering a broken nose.
While a medical examination revealed the damage wasn’t as bad as first thought, Mbappe remains a doubt for France’s remaining two group games, meaning his wait for a Euros goal is set to go on.
#1 Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku must be wondering what he has to do to score again at a major tournament.
Across his last two World Cup and European Championship appearances, the Belgian marksman has registered over 2.5 xG without finding the net.
If it wasn’t for a dubious Lois Openda handball, the ex-Manchester United and Chelsea star would’ve been off the mark.
But Lukaku had plenty of chances to break the deadlock in the Red Devils’ 1-0 defeat against Slovakia, only to see his efforts rendered meaningless.
Lukaku will have to improve in front of goal in Belgium’s next two group games, starting on Saturday with surprise Group E leaders Romania.
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