We are approaching the Euro 2024 semi-finals, and some of the stars that are expected to create numerous Euro 2024 highlights haven’t done much in that regard so far.
Kylian Mbappe, Phil Foden, Romelu Lukaku, and even Gianluca Scamacca were among the top candidates in the Golden Boot race, according to the pre-tournament Euro 2024 odds, but the four of them have combined for only one goal and without anything in open play.
However, it’s not yet too late for Kylian Mbappe and Phil Foden because their teams are still alive in the knockout phase, although the same can’t be said for Gianluca Scamacca and Romelu Lukaku.
Before we roll with the next few matches, SBOTOP is here to examine why these four football stars have been mostly underwhelming in Germany.
Kylian Mbappe, France
For all the world-class talent they have on their roster, France have only scored a whopping three times, including two own goals from Max Wober and Jan Vertonghen and one penalty converted by Kylian Mbappe.
Kylian Mbappe was supposed to have a coming-out party in Germany, but the French captain sustained a broken nose in the opener against Austria, and he didn’t even come off the bench in their goalless draw against the Netherlands.
The Real Madrid-bound striker has been wearing a protective mask since then, but he is reportedly struggling with his peripheral vision because of it, clearly affecting his performances.
Mbappe had another pedestrian outing against Portugal last night in the quarter-finals. He had a total of five shots, with two on target, two created chances, two successful take-ons, and six box touches, but he was subbed off by Didier Deschamps for Bradley Barcola during extra time.
France went on to beat Portugal 5-3 in the penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regulation, with teammate Ousmane Dembele claiming the Man of the Match honours.
Les Bleus have scraped through the semi-finals, but Mbappe and co. have done little to convince their supporters why they can beat Spain in their next match.
Phil Foden, England
We have to feel for Phil Foden because he has been on a rollercoaster of emotions here in the Euros, and he is also the poster boy of Gareth Southgate’s mishandling and questionable tactics.
The reigning Premier League Player of the Year has yet to make a single goal contribution for the Three Lions, who have scored three goals in this tournament.
Southgate has played Foden out of position, as he keeps starting him on the left wing even if he’s better off pulling the strings at the centre of the park as a No. 10.
Earlier this week, Phil Foden had to leave England’s camp to attend to the birth of his third child, and he played against Slovakia in the Round of 16.
The Manchester City playmaker had another pedestrian performance in the 2-1 win. Phil Foden had a tap-in goal that was ruled offside, and he was anonymous for the most part, so he was eventually benched for Ivan Toney.
According to reports, Gareth Southgate hinted at a “drastic” tactical change against Switzerland later. By the looks of it, he could implement a 3-4-2-1 lineup, which could hopefully get the best out of Foden.
Romelu Lukaku, Belgium
Belgium are out of Euro 2024 after losing in the Round of 16. But even before that, they barely made it this far because of their inconsistent performances on the group stage.
The Red Devils have only scored twice, which could’ve been more if Romelu Lukaku wasn’t so unlucky.
The wantaway Chelsea striker owns the distinction for having the most big chances missed (6) in the Euros with no goals to show for it. If it weren’t for a couple of inches (literally), Romelu Lukaku would’ve been one of the frontrunners for the Golden Boot award, replicating his form in the qualifiers.
In this tournament, Lukaku had 11 attempts and scored three times. However, he was denied by the offside flag on all three occasions.
Gianluca Scamacca, Italy
When Italy announced their Euro 2024 roster, many pundits pointed to their attack as their weak link since Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne were no longer around.
Gianluca Scamacca was expected to take over for the Azzurri after leading Atalanta with 18 goals and seven assists this year, but he didn’t live up to the hype in Germany.
It got so bad for Italy that head coach Luciano Spalletti couldn’t stick to a proper formation throughout the competition, and their lethargic display was eventually exposed by Switzerland in the Round of 16.
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