In the opening match of ⚽ Euro 2020, Italy beat Turkey with a score of 3-0. To warm up for the next matches, I will continue the Euro Perception with England and Croatia. 💪
Group D is a group that seems to be predictable, the two possible teams that be on top of the group are England and Croatia. Neither Scotland nor the Czech Republic poses much of a threat to win the group. The group is not a Group of Death, but every match is such a promising contest. ❤️🔥
England
Coach: Gareth Southgate
Appointed: November 30, 2016
Significant teams managed: Middlesbrough, England U21
Full squad:
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Sam Johnstone, Jordan Pickford
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Chilwell, Conor Coady, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tynore Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice
Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling
Players to watch:
Defensive player: Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw showed his motivation after coming back from injury this season. The 25-year-old left-back had a great season with Manchester United and took part in the Premier League’s team of the season.
Creative player: Phil Foden
Phil Foden seems to be both a creative and offensive player. Although being a world-class talent that won two Premier League titles and took part in a UCL’s final, Phil Foden has yet to feature in a major tournament for the national team.
Offensive player: Harry Kane
Harry Kane came off another electrifying season where he led the Premier League in goals and assists. England’s captains will look to lead England deep into another international league after World Cup 2018 – where he won the Golden Boot with six goals.
Conclusion
England has a really good front line with Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, and Marcus Rashford, with Phil Foden, Jadon Sancho, Jack Grealish, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin waiting to come in the pitch. However, the goalkeeper position can be a threat to the Three Lions, with a far-from-world-class Pickford and lack-of-experience Dean Henderson and Sam Johnstone.
Croatia
Coach: Zlatko Dalíc
Appointed: October 7, 2017
Significant teams managed: Al-Ain FC, Faisaly, HNK Rijeka
Full squad:
Goalkeepers: Lovre Kaliníc, Dominik Livakovíc, Simon Sluga
Defenders: Domagoj Vida, Dejan Lovren, Šime Vrsaljko, Borna Barišić, Duje Ćaleta-Car, Josip Juranović, Domagoj Bradarić, Mile Škorić, Joško Gvardiol
Midfielders: Luka Modríc, Mateo Kovačić, Marcelo Brozović, Milan Badelj, Mario Pašalić, Nikola Vlašić, Luka Ivanušec
Forwards: Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić, Ante Rebić, Josip Brekalo, Bruno Petković, Mislav Oršić, Ante Budimir
Players to watch:
Defensive player: Dominik Livakovíc
The 26-year-old is chosen to replace the meritorious Danijel Subašić in the woodwork – who lead Croatia to the final of World Cup 2018. It’ll be interesting to see if he can inherit the 36-year-old.
Creative player: Luka Modríc
Luka Modríc is still a world-class midfielder at the age of 35: Croatia’s most-capped players, a four-time Champions League winner, the 2018 Ballon D’Or winner, etc. The midfield magician will look to lead Croatia to a deep run in an international tournament once again.
“Form is temporary; class is permanent” – Sir Alex Ferguson
Offensive players: Nikola Vlašić
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder is going to blow up Euro 2020 this summer with his creative dribbling, passing, and long-range shooting. He produced 23 goals and 10 assists in 56 Russian Premier League for CSKA Moscow over the last two seasons.
Conclusion
Croatia has an elite midfield group and that will definitely give them a chance at success in this tournament. However, their front line is straying; their best forward right now is Andrej Kramarić but he has yet to prove himself much with the national team.
Author: Kuyet @ TrophyRoom
Images sources:
The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/news/england-euro-2020-squad-announcement/ua78HneUQPR1
Never Manage Alone: https://www.nevermanagealone.com/2021/3/30/22356678/nma-time-of-luke-shaw
Football 365: https://www.football365.com/news/phil-foden-manchester-city-england-canary-100-tunes-opinion
Silly Season: https://sillyseason.com/fixtures/croatia-euro-schedule-games-dates-fixtures-2-172446/
The Boot Room: https://tbrfootball.com/everton-fans-praise-ex-player-nikola-vlasic-for-croatia-performance/
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