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#2 Croatia
Manager: Zlatko Dalic.
Best Finish: Quarter-finals (1996, 2008).
Predicted Finish: Second in Group Stage.
Croatia have been in indifferent form in the last year or so. They have won just two of their last eight games, which is far from ideal preparation for Euro 2020. They have had a dip in form across all competitions since their glorious run to the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Croatia like to play in a conventional diamond formation with either a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-1-2 structure. Their gameplan heavily depends on the midfield dynamism provided by Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic. Ivan Perisic likes to play wide and create space in the wings for the midfielders to drift wide and stretch out the opposition.
Andrej Kramaric could be one to watch out for Croatia, as he is coming off a fabulous Bundesliga season with Hoffenheim. He scored 20 goals and could pose a threat to the opposition with his midfield play.
Croatia like to press and get the ball on their feet and hit the opposition on the counter-attack, with Luka Modric playing a key role. However, they lack quality scoring options up front, plagued by domestic injuries and also lack depth in defence.
Nevertheless, they are expected to qualify for the Euro 2020 knockouts.
#1 England
Manager: Gareth Southgate.
Best Finish: Third Place (1968).
Predicted Finish: First in Group Stage.
England have moved from an earlier 3-5-2 formation in the 2018 FIFA World Cup 2018 to a 4-3-3 structure ahead of Euro 2020. They are a fluid attacking side and use their full-backs in tandem to flood the midfield and push the opposition back.
Harry Kane has a World Cup Golden Boot to his name and will once again lead the Three Lions' attack at Euro 2020. He will also be used to drop down to midfield and help his side get the ball back. That would require other players to come in and support the Tottenham Hotspur striker.
Mason Mount could play the crucial role of a connecting playmaker from defensive midfield, feeding the front three, in a similar role to what he does at Chelsea. England like to play out from the back, making Jordan Pickford the favourite at goal, as the Everton no. 1 has the knack of picking out key passes.
Jude Bellingham could be one to watch out for after an impressive UEFA Champions League campaign, especially against Manchester City in the quarter-final. He has energy, power and confidence, which could be crucial for England's hopes of winning Group D and go all the way at Euro 2020.
Also Read: Jim Beglin's Strongest possible starting XI for England | UEFA Euro 2020.
