90min

Czech Republic predicted lineup vs Croatia - Euro 2020

By Ross Jackson

Patrik Schick was the hero of the hour last time out
Patrik Schick was the hero of the hour last time out / Andy Buchanan - Pool/Getty Images
facebooktwitterreddit

Even if the Czech Republic were dumped out of Group D after playing their three games we'd still never forget their Euro 2020 campaign thanks to one man.

Admittedly their win over Scotland saw them produce an impressive team performance, but
Patrik Schick wrote his name into Europe Championship folklore with his unbelievable strike from mere yards inside the Scotland half.

Next up for Jaroslav Silhavy's side is another trip to Hampden Park, but this time they face the 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia.

Here's how we think the Czechs will shape up for their game on Friday...

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Vladimir Coufal will start at right-back
Vladimir Coufal will start at right-back / PAUL ELLIS/Getty Images

Tomas Vaclik (GK) - Given quite a bit to do in his side's opening game and in truth he was helped out by some poor finishing, but let's not knock the Sevilla man for kicking off his Euro 2020 campaign with a clean sheet.

Vladimir Coufal (RB) - Did well to keep Liverpool's Andy Robertson quiet last time out and is bound to be crucial to his side's chances of progressing deep into the tournament.

Tomas Kalas (CB) - Not an automatic starter for his country but has been handed his opportunity due to injuries and didn't perform too badly in their opener.

Ondrej Celustka (CB) - Aside from the guy who scored one of the best braces you're ever likely to see, Celustka was probably his side's best player against Scotland.

Jan Boril (LB) - Wasn't tested enough last time out and will be expecting a much sterner examination against Croatia.

2. Midfielders

Tomas Soucek will start in midfield
Tomas Soucek will start in midfield / Stu Forster/Getty Images

Tomas Soucek (CM) - The West Ham man looks to have brought his impressive form at club level into the tournament and already technically has an assist to his name thanks to Schick's unbelievable strike.

VladimIr Darida (CM) - An imperative piece of the Czech Republic midfield jigsaw puzzle. Doesn't stop running all game and will captain the side once again on Friday.

Alex Kral (CM) - May have been the man to miss out had Lukas Provod not withdrawn from the squad through injury but he's taken his chance with both hands so far.

3. Forwards

Patrik Schick scored a wondergoal against Scotland
Patrik Schick scored a wondergoal against Scotland / Petr Josek - Pool/Getty Images

Lukas Masopust (RW) - Was just as important to his side defensively at Hampden Park as he was going forward. Will need to provide more of an attacking threat if his team are to go deep into the tournament but a solid start nonetheless.

Patrik Schick (ST) - How do you drop a man who just scored a goal like that? He's got talented youngster Adam Hlozek breathing down his neck but he'll definitely lead the line once again.

Jakub Jankto (LW) - Was much more threatening going forward against Scotland than Masopust on the opposite flank and looked a livewire throughout.

Home/UEFA Euro 2020