Why Frenkie De Jong is not playing for Netherlands at Euro 2024
De Jong will not be involved this summer (Picture: Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
Netherlands midfielder Frenkie De Jong will have no role to play for his country at Euro 2024.
Le Oranje began their campaign against Poland on Sunday afternoon but without their influential midfielder in the side.
The Dutchman suffered an ankle injury in March playing for Barcelona but was selected for Holland’s Euro 2024 squad.
The 27-year-old is one of Ronald Koeman’s most experienced players and the Dutch do not have another midfielder that can provide what De Jong does in central midfield.
It’s why the former Ajax man was given as much time as possible to prove his fitness.
But, following last Monday’s 4-0 win against Iceland, De Jong confirmed he will not play in Germany and has pulled out of the squad.
De Jong has played 54 times for Holland (Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
‘I’m sad and disappointed that I won’t make it to the EC,’ said De Jong on Instagram.
‘We’ve been doing a lot of it the past few weeks, but my ankle needs more time unfortunately. It’s a dream and greatest honor to represent our country in a final tournament.
‘Wearing the orange shirt, singing the Wilhelmus and feeling the support of the entire country. But now I will, like the entire orange legion, cheer for our team from the sidelines. Let’s go boys.’
De Jong has played 54 times for the Netherlands, scoring twice.
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