Georginio Wijnaldum: 'Euro 2016 failure is great loss'

Netherlands midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum has stated that the team's failure to qualify for Euro 2016 is a "great loss" for the players and the country.

The Dutch saw their slim hopes of reaching next summer's tournament in France dashed as they lost 3-2 at home to Czech Republic, which meant that they missed out on a playoff place.

Newcastle United man Wijnaldum has admitted that it will be hard to watch the Euros knowing that he and his teammates will not be part of them.

"It will take some time before we are above this. If we look at the TV next year and see the European Championships, we get the kick again," he told the Shields Gazette.

"But we are footballers, we must continue. Although this is very difficult now as it is going to take a while before we have processed this blow. The absence of the European Championship is a great loss for the players, but especially for the Netherlands as a whole.

"For right now after the elimination, to call what we do is not wise. Let us first analyse everything calmly and only then draw conclusions."

Netherlands have failed to reach the finals of a European Championship for the first time since 1984.