Chelsea's Euros Representation: Group Stage Stars Review

As the group stage of the Euros wraps up, the tournament is set to enter its knockout phases. Historically, Chelsea has boasted many players representing their nations in international competitions. However, this year, the club's impact has notably diminished, with only eight players currently on their roster, marking one of the lowest representations in recent times.

The Blues had no representatives in Group A. In Group B, they had two players: striker Armando Broja and left-back Marc Cucurella. Broja, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at Fulham, had a disappointing campaign with Albania. His team finished last in Group B, managing only a single point. Broja failed to make an impact despite starting one game and making two substitute appearances. The next player in the group, Marc Cucurella has been Chelsea's standout performer in the tournament. Spain, looking like genuine contenders this year, has been brilliant, with Cucurella playing a pivotal role. He carried his excellent late-season form into the Euros, starting the first two games before being rested for the third, as Spain had already secured qualification.

In Group C, CFC had three players: Conor Gallagher and Cole Palmer for England and Djordje Petrović for Serbia. Gallagher made two substitute appearances before starting the third game. However, he was substituted at halftime after failing to make an impact. Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s Player of the Year, made his tournament debut as a substitute in the third match. He looked promising in his limited time on the pitch. There are increasing calls for Palmer to start as England advances to knockouts as group winners, despite an underwhelming group-stage performance. Meanwhile, Petrović was an unused substitute in all three of Serbia's games. They finished at the bottom of the group.

In Group D, Ian Maatsen was the sole representative of the Blues. After spending the second half of the season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, where he helped them reach the UEFA Champions League final and earned a spot in the Team of the Tournament, Maatsen was initially ignored but received a late call-up following fitness issues of Frenkie de Jong. The young fullback, reportedly signed with Aston Villa, has yet to receive any minute. The Netherlands will continue their journey in the round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.

In Group E, Chelsea had two players: Romelu Lukaku, who spent last season on loan at AS Roma, and Mykhailo Mudryk. Both players had an average campaign in the group stages. Mudryk, injured during the warm-up ahead of Ukraine's match against Lukaku's Belgium, had to watch his team fail to defeat the Red Devils in their must-win game to progress. With all four teams in the group finishing on four points, Ukraine was placed last due to their heavy defeat to Romania in the first match. Meanwhile, Belgium progressed to the round of 16, finishing second in the group.

Chelsea had no players in Group F. As the knockout stages begin on July 1st, fans will be hoping for a successful rest of the campaign for the remaining contingent, with no injury issues as the Blues gear up for the 2024-25 season under their new manager, Enzo Maresca.