We’re halfway there… As the famous song says. It is time for my review of Group D
Group D: Croatia, Czech Republic, England, Scotland
Croatia
Although Croatia is relatively young country they have amazing football history. Silver medalists from the last World Cup, Croatia are seeking redemption and will be more then determined to win the Euro. And when you see their team, you know they have the chance to do so. Modric, Rakitic, Lovren, Brozovic, Rebic, Kovacic etc., world class players who won everything with their respective clubs. Manager Zlatko Dalic is in charge since 2017 so his team and ideas are established. This tournament will be the last chance of this golden generation to shine, midfield maestros Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric are likely to retire until the World Cup next year. Golden medal from the Euro will be their perfect farewell.
Czech Republic
Czech Republic is a country with great traditions in football. A team without big starts but full of commitment and spirit. The average height of the team is high and they are a real threat in the air, very good at set pieces. Both Matej Vydra and Tomas Soucek finished the season in great form, so if they can continue it the Czechs can surprise the 2 favourites in the group (Croatia and England). Plus they have extra motivation against England: Czech Republic’s worst defeat was against England in March 2019. Czechs lost 5-0 at Wembley.
England
Do I need to say anything about the quality in this England squad? As always The three lions enter a big tournament as one of the favourites for the title. It’s like a vicious circle for them: Enter as favourites, “Football’s coming home”, exit the tournament early, start hyping the next tournament. Of course they broke that circle in Russia in 2018 and reached the semi-finals, where they lost to Croatia. England will seek revenge against “Vatreni”. The big bonus for all football fans will be, that we’ll get to see England vs Scotland at Wembley, and by June 18 when the game takes place, the fans will be back at the stadiums in England at 100% of the capacity. Just imagine the scenes…
Scotland
Scotland and England are the two countries to form a national football team. The first ever official football game was between them in 1872. Scotland has a great football history with amazing players. This is not their best ever team, but they still have players representing some of the biggest teams in the world such as Liverpool and Manchester United. A team full of warrior that will never give up on the field. Theoretically they are the worst team in this group, but if someone enters a game against them with the idea of easy win, they will suffer.
Here are the previous reviews: