MLS
How many MLS players are going to the European Championships?
It’s not just Copa América, some of the league’s top performers will be away on international duty in Europe this month.
The summer’s international action is now just days away with the European Championship and Copa América set to grab the attention of the soccer-supporting world for a month of thrilling competition. We’ve already taken a look at the MLS representatives in Copa América, now we shine a light on the players heading off for Euro 2024 in Germany.
Each of the 24 competing European nations has now confirmed their final 26-man squad for the competition, although late changes are still allowed in the case of injuries. Here’s the eight players from MLS teams who will be part of the action...
MLS players at Euro 2024
- David Brekalo, Orlando City SC - Slovenia
- Dániel Gazdag, Philadelphia Union - Hungary
- Olivier Giroud, LAFC - France
- Saba Lobjanidze, Atlanta United -Georgia
- Lewis Morgan, New York Red Bulls - Scotland
- Henrich Ravas, New England Revolution - Slovakia
- Xherdan Shaqiri, Chicago Fire FC - Switzerland
- Bartosz Slisz, Atlanta United -Poland
Among those players are a few who have impressed for their club sides so far in 2024. New York Red Bulls forward Lewis Morgan has provided nine goals and four assists in 16 appearances, including a stunning hat-trick in a victory over former team Inter Miami. Daniel Gazdag will be representing Hungary this summer and comes into the tournament off the back of another prolific season in front of goal. The Philadelphia Union midfielder has scored ten goals in 15 games, maintaining his reputation as one of the league’s top goal threats from midfield.
When will Olivier Giroud make his debut for LAFC?
Of course, one player listed above is not technically a part of MLS yet. Veteran striker Olivier Giroud will officially sign for LAFC as soon as his deal with AC Milan expires but the Frenchman has already confirmed that he will make the move to the 2022 MLS Cup winners.
Giroud is France’s all-time record scorer and he will be looking to add another international medal this summer. He may have lost his starting jersey to France’s younger options but the 37-year-old remains a game-changer off the bench and a trusted player who will likely play a role in any French success.
Black and Gold fans will be hoping to see the best of Giroud at the Euros but they may have to wait a little long before they see him making his first MLS appearances. The league’s secondary transfer window does not open until 18 July, the earliest date at which Giroud could be eligible to player.
The team have an MLS fixture against the Seattle Sounders on 20 July but, given that he will have just completed a gruelling European campaign, Giroud will almost certainly take a break before making his debut with LAFC. With that in mind, don’t expect to see Giroud making his debut before late August, just in time for the crucial run-in.