Which 26 players will make it to Romania head coach Edward Iordanescu's final squad for the 2024 European Championship in Germany?
Romania did not qualify for Euro 2020 despite being a host nation, as they were one of the many host nations in the unique pan-European format. However, they have featured at three European Championships this century and failed to make it past the group stage of the 2016 edition of the tournament in France.
They are a force to be reckoned with under the tutelage of Edward Iordanescu right now, having displayed rare consistency to top Group I with ease.
Although a lack of experience at the top level may hinder their chances pitted in a tricky-looking Group E featuring Belgium, Slovakia, and Ukraine, they are in fine form under Iordanescu and may be capable of causing a surprise.
Head coach Iordanescu has named a 28-player provisional Romania squad for the European Championship in Germany this summer.
GOAL takes a look at the roster for this summer's European Championship.
Romania's squad is a blend of talent from various clubs and leagues. In goal, they will boast the likes of Florin Nita from Gaziantep, Horatiu Moldovan who sealed a transfer from Rapid Bucuresti to Atletico Madrid over the winter window, and Stefan Tarnovanu coming from Steaua Bucuresti.
Moldovan has usually been the No. 1 pick in goal for Iordanescu, but he has hardly featured for Atletico Madrid since his winter switch, which could open the door for Nita to stake a claim for the starting goalkeeping spot.
Name
Club
Florin Nita
Gaziantep
Horatiu Moldovan
Atletico Madrid
Stefan Tarnovanu
FCSB
Razvan Sava
Cluj
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DEFENDERS
In defence, the most eye-catching name is that of Radu Dragusin, who joined Premier League side Spurs for a fee of €25 million from Italian side Genoa after having an impressive start to the season. The 22-year-old is a mainstay at the heart of the back four, with the likes of Andrei Burca, Adrian Rus, and Bogdan Racovitan set to battle it out for the other central defensive spot.
At full-back, Romania have plenty of options, partly down to the versatility of the aforementioned defenders. Nicusor Bancu and Ratiu have shown more than enough to keep their starting places as a balanced full-back pair that suits the team's defensive style very well while also providing some ability to carry the ball forward.
Name
Club
Adrian Rus
Pafos
Andrei Burca
Al-Okhdood
Andrei Ratiu
Rayo Vallecano
Bogdan Racovitan
Rakow Czestochowa
Ionut Nedelcearu
Palermo
Nicusor Bancu
Universitatea Craiova
Radu Dragusin
Tottenham
Vasile Mogoș
Cluj
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MIDFIELDERS
Creative midfielder Nicolae Stanciu, who has 14 international goals to his name, is set to start in his No. 10 role as captain.
Former Rangers star Ianis Hagi is expected to support the Damac midfielder in the supply chain, with backup options available in the form of Darius Olaru and free-scoring FCSB wide attacking midfielder Florinel Coman.
Marius Marin andRazvan Marin are more defensive-minded midfield options likely to compete for the two pivot spots.
Name
Club
Adrian Sut
FCSB
Alexandru Cicaldau
Konyaspor
Darius Olaru
FCSB
Florinel Coman
FCSB
Ianis Hagi
Deportivo Alaves (on loan from Rangers)
Marius Marin
Pisa
Nicolae Stanciu
Damac
Razvan Marin
Empoli
Valentin Mihaila
Parma
Dennis Man
Parma
Deian Sorescu
Gaziantep
Constantin Grameni
Farul Constanta
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FORWARDS
George Puscas has now netted 11 times for his country, making him the second-highest goalscorer in the squad, and he should be the starting centre-forward for Romania in Germany.
