Having two of the host nations for the tournament, Group D seems to be an unique but a very competitive one. It counts on Croatia, Czech Republic, England (Host), and Scotland (Host). Although England is known for playing good football, we have an experience Croatia; also, we trust that both Czech Republic and Scotland, growing teams, will try to keep up the pace. Let’s see more about them in detail.

England

The team has grown since the World Cup and we should consider it as a favorite, although it will have significant absentees. Now, we know it as the England team to remember! Never before has it been so hard to be the head of the national team. With the exception of the centrals and a goalkeeper, who makes mistakes but has no competition; the rest of the positions are doubled.

There is more variety than doubt in midfield; Gareth Southgate has tried seven different combinations in the last eight games. The doubts are behind. The goal is to play a 4-3-3 that dominates all facets of the game, not just counterattacks and fouls as seen in the World Cup in Russia. The squad is so strong that several equally relevant players could be left out. If they are group champions, the road to the final would take them to Dublin, Rome and the semi-final and final would be played at home again.

Croatia

Modric and Rakitic’s Croatia is aging; the team is somehow expiring. Despite this, the competitive nature of the Croats, plus the quality of their players make them a very dangerous team for the final phase. This is how they surprised in the last World Cup and in the previous European Championship. It took more than expected for Croatia to qualify for the European Championship, after being a finalist in the last World Cup. The regeneration of the team is getting complicated; the spine of the team continues to be mainly by Modric and Rakitic. In any case, it is important to note that Croatia has performed best when it has had greater teams in front of them. That will be the real danger For Group D.

Scotland

Scotland returns to a major international tournament since the 1998 World Cup in France; particularly thanks to a coach who has strengthened the team’s mentality. They did not start as favorites, but as serious candidates. Scotland appeared in the final against a grown Serbia; this, after beating back-to-back in October against Israel, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Thus, the good streak did not end against the Serbs and the Scottish country will break a long 22-year curse without participating in a great tournament of national teams. Since his arrival, Steve Clarke has patiently built a well-armed and secure defensive system with an entrenched defense of three. The results have given the reason to the coach who has the total confidence of his players and after the last matches, he has also returned the illusion and hopes to the Scots.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic comes to this Euro 2020 fully regenerated. Gone are the times of Rosicky, Koller, Galasek, Cech and Plasil. The new team started from scratch four years ago and are now in good health thanks, among other things, to the success of Slavia Prague. Slavia fuels Czech regeneration. The club from the capital has had great performances in European competitions in recent years and feeds a selection that will prove what it is made of. Jaroslav Silhavy has gradually rebuilt this new Czech Republic line by line, found players of guarantees who may not be big stars, but who are meeting expectations well. The great objective of this Czech Republic is to overcome the first phase in Group D without problems and from there, to surprise in a tournament where they have historically performed well.