Bellingham, Foden and Other Who Had Fantastic Club Seasons but Have Disappointed at Euro 2024

• The group stages of the ongoing 2024 European Championship have been completed, with 16 teams through to the next round
• The first phase had some top football stars who, despite fantastic club seasons, have disappointed at the tournament
• Ballon d'Or contender Jude Bellingham scored in England's first match but, since then became anonymous in the next two games

The group phase of the 2024 European Championship has been concluded with four best third-placed teams joining the top two teams from the six groups in knockout stage.

The first phase saw some top stars who had brilliant seasons with their clubs struggle to make an impact for their countries, some of which have led to their first-round elimination.

Sports Brief looks at six players who struggled despite having fantastic club seasons.

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Who are the top stars that struggled at Euro?

1. Jude Bellingham

According to Planet Football, Bellingham was the second favourite for the Ballon d'Or heading into the tournament, behind his Real Madrid teammate, Vinicius Jr. He scored the winner for England against Serbia, and his performances afterwards have been atrocious.

2. Phil Foden

The Premier League Player of the Season has been one of the biggest disappointments at the competition. Foden is one of the underperforming players in a generally underwhelming England squad.

3. Andriy Lunin

Lunin deputised for the injured Thibaut Courtois for the most part of last season and was instrumental in a successful season for Real Madrid. His first game at Euro 2024 was his last, he committed two errors leading to goals in their 3-0 loss to Romania in the opening match. He was dropped for Anatoliy Trubin. Ukraine were eliminated despite having four points.

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4. Bukayo Saka

Saka came into the tournament off the back of a great but trophyless season for Arsenal. He was named England’s best player in the last two years but has been underwhelming at Euro 2024. Arsenal legend, Ian Wright, suggested he should be played at left-back to allow Cole Palmer to play as the right winger.

5. Artem Dovbyk

Dovbyk was La Liga’s Pichichi trophy winner last season with 24 goals to help Girona finish third and qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League. He had zero shots on target before Ukraine were dumped out of the tournament.

6. Harry Kane

By his standards, he had a regular season—score a lot of goals, and won no trophy. He joined Bayern Munich last summer and in his first season, they went trophyless, losing the Super Cup final on his debut. He netted 44 goals in 45 games and was the Bundesliga Golden Boot winner. He failed to score in the group stage as England progressed to the knockout stage.

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7. Aleksandar Mitrovic

As noted by Transfermarkt, Mitrovic scored 40 goals in 44 games in all competitions to help Al-Hilal reclaim the Saudi Pro League title. He partnered Dusan Vlahovic in Serbia’s attack at Euro 2024 but failed to score and were eliminated in the group stage.

England fans slam Harry Kane

Sports Brief reported on England fans slamming Harry Kane because of his interview following the Three Lions 1-1 draw against Slovenia, which ensured both countries reach the knockout stage.

The fans are displeased that their captains’ words showed a lack of self-awareness, which they claim is the reason the team’s mentality is bottom-barrel.