Czech Republic start as the underdogs but have potential to shock with their displays. Here is the Czech Republic preview ahead of the summer international tournament Euro 2020 which is set to start from 11th June.
Euro 2020 Czech Republic Preview
Czech Republic fairly start as darkhorse of the tournament despite being placed in the group consisting of England, Croatia and Scotland. They exited the tournament early last time and will look to make amend to their strategy ahead of the renewed hostilities. They have qualified for the tournament straight seventh time (after being renamed as Czech Republic) for Euros. The Czech Republic team has sailed through difficulties in the past two years and are making a strong case for themselves in the pandemic stuck tournament.
Jaroslav Šilhavý was appointed as their manager after the disastrous display by Czech Republic in the World Cup qualifiers to Russia. Since his appointment, Czech Republic has put up a great attack football in both international and club level. They have a great midfield and looks a midfield heavy squad going for the tournament. They are on the back of 3-1 victory against Albania in an international friendly ahead of Euro 2020.
Czech Republic Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Ales Mandous, Jiri Pavlenka, Tomas Vaclik
Defenders: Jan Boril, Jakub Brabec, Ondrej Celustka, Vladimir Coufal, Pavel Kaderabek, Tomas Kalas, Ales Mateju, David Zima
Midfielders: Antonin Barak, Vladimir Darida, Adam Hlozek, Tomas Holes, Jakub Jankto, Alex Kral, Lukas Masopust, Jakub Pesek, Michal Sadilek, Tomas Soucek Petr Sevcik
Forwards: Michael Krmencik, Tomas Pekhart, Patrik Schick, Matej Vydra
Key Players for Czech Republic
Though there are few stars in the line up for Czech Republic, all eyes will be on 18-year-old sensation, Adam Hlozek. The Sparta Prague forward achieved the feet of youngest player to score a hat-trick in the Czech top-flight. In the 2020/21 season, he had 22 G/A to his name in the Czech top-flight. Also, he hit four goals in the first half before getting substituted at the half-time. The team will look to utilize the potential of the young lad in the tournament.
On the other hand, Tomas Soucek was a great signing for David Moyes’ West Ham United. Not only he created the chances from the midfield for the attackers, but he also scored some absolute bangers. He overperformed in EPL 2020/21 as he had an xG of 9.2 but scored 10 goals in the tournament. He also managed his side to get into Europa League for 2021/22. He will be key to Šilhavý’s aspirations.
Czech Republic Fixtures for Euro 2020
| Date | Match | Timings in IST | Venue |
| 14th June | Scotland vs Czech Republic | 6:30 PM (2 PM CET) | Glasgow |
| 18th June | Croatia vs Czech Republic | 9:30 PM (5 PM CET) | Glasgow |
| 23rd June | Czech Republic vs England | 12:30 AM (10 PM CET on 22nd June) | London |
Previous Results
| Year | Final position | Venue |
| 1996 | Runners-up | England |
| 2000 | Group Stage | Belgium and Netherlands |
| 2004 | Semifinals | Portugal |
| 2008 | Group Stage | Austria and Switzerland |
| 2012 | Quartefinals | Ukraine and Poland |
| 2016 | Group Stage | France |
Czech Republic Chances for Euro 2020
Czech Republic are placed alongside England, Croatia and Scotland in Euro 2020. Though they have least chances to qualify for the knockouts because of England and Croatia, they will look to finish as one of the best top three sides in the tournament. They can reach Round of 16 if they can get positive results against Scotland and Croatia.
Also Read: Euro 2020 North Macedonia Preview: Full Squad, Key Players, Fixtures And Chances
