UEFA Euro 2023 Group D preview: Can Croatia (or anyone else) challenge England at Wembley Stadium?

A resumption of rivalry between worldwide soccer’s oldest enemies, a few of the finest midfield expertise on the planet and a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semifinal: Group D of the European Championships gained’t be brief on drama and high quality. The group kicks off Sunday when England takes on Croatia. Right here is every thing it is advisable know:

Fixtures and easy methods to watch

(All occasions U.S./Japanese. Stream each recreation on fuboTV — Strive without spending a dime)

Sunday, June 13
England vs. Croatia (Wembley Stadium, London, 9 a.m., ESPN)

Monday, June 14
Scotland vs. Czech Republic (Hampden Park, Glasgow, 9.a.m., ESPN)

Friday, June 18
Croatia vs. Czech Republic (Hampden Park, Glasgow, 12 p.m., ESPN)
England vs. Scotland (Wembley Stadium, London, 3 p.m., ESPN)

Monday, June 21
Croatia vs. Scotland (Hampden Park, Glasgow, 3 p.m., ESPN 2)
Czech Republic vs. England (Wembley Stadium, London, 3 p.m., ESPN)

Group favorites

That England are among the many match favorites with oddsmakers (+500 through William Hill Sportsbook) is probably extra a mirrored image of betting markets than their precise probabilities of successful Euro 2023 however there are lots of causes to imagine they are going to be on the enterprise finish of the competitors. Residence benefit actually favors them with all of their group video games and doubtlessly all bar one knockout recreation at Wembley Stadium. Their shock run to the semifinals of the World Cup three years in the past restored a few of the bonds between the crew and the nation. Most significantly of all they’ve a number of excellent gamers.

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That’s notably the case in assault the place Gareth Southgate can name on a cadre of various expertise to encompass captain and star striker Harry Kane, from inventive playmakers reminiscent of Phil Foden and Mason Mount to the direct speedsters Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford. Then there’s potential x issue Jack Grealish, a participant nearly as beloved by his nation as Paul Gascoigne was in 1998.

Their Achilles heel lies in protection with Harry Maguire anticipated to overlook a lot of the group stage with an ankle harm. John Stones excelled with Manchester Metropolis this season however his companion is just not clear. Conor Coady and Tyrone Mings haven’t regarded all that spectacular so it might be that Brighton’s Ben White, a late substitute for the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold, begins in opposition to Croatia on Sunday.

Within the combine

The chief of the chasing pack could be Croatia. Although their run to the 2018 World Cup closing felt just like the final gasp of an excellent period it will be unwise to low cost the potential for them making a significant impression at coming tournaments. In the intervening time they nonetheless have 35-year-old Luka Modric, who continues to show his price for Actual Madrid and for his nationwide aspect. There’s the standard cadre of inventive midfielders round Modric with Marcelo Brozovic, Mateo Kovacic and Nikola Vlasic probably vying for 2 beginning spots. Ivan Perisic and Ante Rebic may be harmful on the flanks however the query they’ll face is whether or not they have the tempo to maintain up with England and others later within the competitors.

If any nation shall be relishing a match largely performed in England as a lot because the hosts it is going to be the Czech Republic, who’re returning to the nation the place they made historical past on their run to the Euro 96 closing. A repeat displaying may nicely be past them however they won’t be a straightforward out and enter this match with two key gamers — Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal — using excessive after an impressive marketing campaign with West Ham within the Premier League. Add to that younger attacking expertise reminiscent of Patrik Schick and Adam Hlozek and this might be a crew at hand out bloody noses.

The identical might be stated of Scotland, who enter this match in sturdy kind in protection and with Southampton’s Che Adams having proven at membership stage that he could be the striker Steve Clarke’s aspect have been in search of for what has felt like generations. Behind him is confirmed Premier League high quality reminiscent of John McGinn, Scott McTominay and two of the league’s finest left-backs (Kieran Tierney and Andy Robertson) whereas Clarke has confirmed all through his managerial profession that he can get one of the best out of groups. Most significantly of all, although, there’s a actual bond on this Scotland aspect and an appreciation of Spanish disco classics that ought to make them each neutrals favourite.

Sport to look at

England vs. Scotland, June 18: How might it not be this one? Some of the intense rivalries in worldwide soccer, notably for a Scotland aspect who’re certainties to boost their recreation in opposition to their opponent from down south. Wembley will roar England on, might this be the day Grealish has his Gazza second?

Star participant

England, Harry Kane: For all of the attacking expertise that they’ll encompass him with it’s the Tottenham striker that’s the key cog in England’s assault. The Golden Boot winner on the final World Cup and on this yr’s Premier League, he has added better creativity when dropping deep that ought to enable him to unleash runners in behind in addition to rating objectives.

Croatia, Luka Modric: It could be that the type of Bruno Petkovic in entrance of purpose is extra vital in figuring out how far Croatia go at Euro 2023 but when Modric can dictate video games as he did within the World Cup three years in the past then Zlatko Dalic’s aspect will be capable to grind opponents into submission.

Czech Republic, Tomas Soucek: The mountainous star of West Ham’s season, Soucek is a rarity within the fashionable recreation: a real box-to-box midfielder who could make telling contributions at each ends. Within the air there are few that may compete with the 26-year-old, who has a hat-trick to his title at worldwide stage.

Scotland, Kieran Tierney: A case might actually be made for captain and fellow left again Robertson however at worldwide stage it has typically been his Arsenal counterpart who has shone brighter in latest matches. With out the ball he’s diligent and sturdy whereas his trailing runs from the left might unlock loads of paths for his wonderful crosses.