As the excitement builds around the EURO 2024 squad, many football fans are paying close attention to the goalkeepers selected from Premier League clubs. Surprisingly, several keepers from teams in the bottom half of the league table have managed to secure spots in their national teams’ squads for this prestigious tournament. Despite their clubs’ struggles, their performances have earned them recognition on the international stage.
In the Premier League, being a first-choice goalkeeper is no easy task, especially for those playing for lower-table teams. However, these keepers have demonstrated resilience, making their way into the final squads for EURO 2024. Let’s take a deeper look at these unsung heroes who will represent their countries this summer.
Jordan Pickford (Everton, England)
Despite Everton’s challenging 2023–24 season, Jordan Pickford remains the undisputed number-one goalkeeper for England’s EURO 2024 squad. Everton narrowly avoided relegation, finishing 15th in the Premier League, but Pickford’s performances stood out. His consistency and experience in major tournaments have kept him at the top of Gareth Southgate’s list, even with competitors like Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale and Crystal Palace’s Sam Johnstone pushing for spots.
Pickford has been England’s key man between the sticks since the 2018 World Cup, where he played a crucial role in their run to the semifinals. His shot-stopping ability and leadership in high-pressure situations make him a reliable choice for EURO 2024.
Bart Verbruggen (Brighton & Hove Albion, Netherlands)
Bart Verbruggen, the current Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper, has secured his place in the EURO 2024 squad for the Netherlands. At just 21 years old, Verbruggen has had an impressive season, despite Brighton finishing in the bottom half of the Premier League. His standout performances, especially in key matches like the draw against Newcastle, have earned him a spot as Ronald Koeman’s first choice for the tournament.
Verbruggen’s quick reflexes, ability to command his area, and potential for growth make him one of the most exciting goalkeepers heading into EURO 2024. This will be his first major international tournament, and fans will be eager to see if he can replicate his Premier League form on the European stage.
Mark Flekken (Brentford, Netherlands)
Mark Flekken is another Dutch goalkeeper making waves in the Premier League, this time with Brentford. After joining the Bees in the summer of 2023, Flekken quickly established himself as a solid shot-stopper, earning a place in the Netherlands EURO 2024 squad. Although Brentford struggled last season, Flekken’s performances, particularly his ability to make crucial saves, have not gone unnoticed by the national team selectors.
At 30 years old, Flekken brings valuable experience to the squad. His steady hands and leadership will be important assets for the Netherlands as they seek to make a deep run in EURO 2024. His presence as the second-choice goalkeeper behind Verbruggen shows the depth of talent available to Ronald Koeman.
Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers, Portugal)
Jose Sa has been a key player for Wolverhampton Wanderers, and despite the team’s struggles in the Premier League, he has earned his spot in Portugal’s EURO 2024 squad. Sa has been a consistent performer for Wolves, helping them stay competitive in a tough season. His ability to read the game and make important saves under pressure has caught the eye of Portugal’s coaching staff.
Although Sa is not expected to start ahead of Rui Patricio and Diogo Costa, his inclusion in the squad highlights his reliability and importance to the national team. Sa’s experience in international competitions, including the World Cup, will be invaluable to Portugal as they aim to go far in EURO 2024.
Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest, Belgium)
Matz Sels joined Nottingham Forest during the January transfer window and quickly made an impact, helping the team avoid relegation. His performances in the second half of the season were crucial, and his consistent form earned him a place in Belgium’s EURO 2024 squad. Despite competing with experienced goalkeepers like Koen Casteels, Sels has proven himself as a dependable option for Roberto Martinez’s side.
Sels, who previously played for Strasbourg, will be looking to make his mark in EURO 2024. While he may not be the first-choice goalkeeper, his composure and ability to step up when needed make him a valuable asset for Belgium.
Thomas Strakosha (Brentford, Albania)
Albania’s Thomas Strakosha finds himself on the fringes of Brentford’s squad, serving as the understudy to Mark Flekken. However, his contributions to Albania’s successful qualification campaign for EURO 2024 cannot be overstated. Strakosha has been a key player for Albania, with one of his standout performances coming in the 2-0 victory over Poland during the qualifiers.
Although he hasn’t played regularly for Brentford, Strakosha’s international experience and leadership make him a crucial part of Albania’s setup. He will be looking to help his team defy the odds in EURO 2024 as Albania aims to make an impression on the European stage.
Thomas Kaminski (Luton Town, Belgium)
Thomas Kaminski, currently playing for Luton Town, has been a consistent performer for his club, despite their struggles in the Premier League. His solid performances earned him a place in Belgium’s EURO 2024 squad. Kaminski’s experience in English football has helped him develop into a reliable goalkeeper, and his inclusion in the national team highlights his growing reputation.
While Kaminski may not start for Belgium, his work ethic and professionalism will be important as he provides depth to the squad. His journey from Luton Town to EURO 2024 is a testament to his dedication and skill.
Challenges for Goalkeepers from Lower Premier League Sides
For goalkeepers from lower Premier League teams, making it to the EURO 2024 squad is a significant achievement. These players often face immense pressure, as their teams typically concede more goals and have to defend more frequently than top-tier teams. However, this also means that goalkeepers from lower-table sides often have more opportunities to showcase their shot-stopping abilities and command of the box.
The challenges faced by these goalkeepers are numerous. Playing behind a defense that is constantly under siege can be mentally and physically exhausting. Additionally, they are often required to make more saves per game than their counterparts at top clubs. Despite these challenges, goalkeepers like Jordan Pickford and Jose Sa have proven that they can perform under pressure and earn their spots in EURO 2024.
The Importance of Goalkeepers in Major Tournaments
Goalkeepers play a crucial role in any team’s success in major tournaments like EURO 2024. A great goalkeeper can single-handedly keep a team in the competition with key saves, command the defense, and provide confidence to the rest of the squad. The goalkeepers mentioned above will have a huge responsibility in their respective national teams as they look to make an impact in EURO 2024.
The tournament will be a true test of their abilities, as they face some of the best forwards in Europe. Their performances could be the difference between an early exit and a deep run in the competition. For players like Pickford, Verbruggen, and Sa, this is an opportunity to cement their legacies as top goalkeepers on the international stage.
The inclusion of several goalkeepers from lower Premier League sides in the EURO 2024 squad is a testament to their individual quality and resilience. Despite playing for clubs that struggled in the league, these shot-stoppers have earned the trust of their national team managers and will play important roles in the tournament.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on these goalkeepers to see if they can rise to the occasion and help their teams succeed in EURO 2024. Whether it’s Pickford leading England’s defense or Verbruggen making his debut for the Netherlands, these goalkeepers will be key players in one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
