The first selections after the Olympic Games is always a time for change. In the Netherlands this means a goodbye to almost 500 national games – Estavana Polman and Laura van der Heijden will not be playing in Euro 2024.
The national team coach Henrik Signell made some personal calls last week. When the selection became official, he explained the choice once again.
— We have reached a point where we have to look to the future. With a view to the World Cup next year, but also further towards the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, it is important to give space to other players. They must be given the opportunity to gain experience at major tournaments and develop within the team, he said to handbal.nl.
The decision to deny Polman, van der Heijden and Nikita van der Vliet a championship ticket was made by the coach. Kelly Dulfer´s absence from the squad came from the left back herself.
– It has been a long and tough season, physically and mentally, partly due to the Olympic Games last summer. For me, it is the best choice at this time to skip the European Championship, she said to handbal.nl.
Netherlands won two Euro medals in 2016 (silver) and 2018 (bronze). The last two championships ended on a sixth place.
Netherlands Euro 2024 squad
Source: Handbal.nl
Lois Abbingh, Vipers Kristiansand
Sarah Dekker, HSG Bensheim Auerbach
Rinka Duijndam, CS Rapid Bucharest
Merel Freriks, Vipers Kristiansand
Tamara Haggerty, Debrecen
Judith van der Helm, VOC Amsterdam
Yara ten Holte, Odense
Dionne Housheer, Györi ETO KC
Romee Maarschalkerweerd, Horsens HK
Angela Malestein, Ferencvaros
Alieke van Maurik, Borussia Dortmund
Kim Molenaar, Copenhagen
Larissa Nusser, Vipers Kristiansand
Bianca Schanssema, Copenhagen
Inger Smits, CSM Bucharest
Zoe Sprengers, Nykobing Falster
Isa Ternede, Buxtehude
Bo van Wetering, Györi ETO KC