The Czechs will enter the tournament with a match against the unpleasant Scots. What could the ideal line-up look like?

In just a few days, the European Football Championship will kick off on 11 June. For Soucek and co. the championship starts on Monday with a match against Scotland. The Czechs have finished their preparations. It showed both the weaknesses and the strengths of the team. They also had to deal with last-minute injuries to key stoppers and Hložek. Fortunately, the black scenarios have not been confirmed and everyone will be ready. Choosing the right starting eleven will not be easy for coach Šilhavy. There are several question marks in it.

Goalkeeper:

Tomáš Vaclík

In the absence of Kolar, the obvious choice. The Sevilla goalkeeper has more saves than his colleague Pavlenka. He looks calm, gives the team more peace and confidence. He has a solid passing game, which is a big plus for the team’s play. His better performance in the last few games also speaks for him.

Defense:

Vladimir Coufal

Team’s mainstay. He has improved a lot at West Ham and it definitely shows in his performance. He is extremely important for the Czech team’s game. His contribution is invaluable. Both defensively and in support of the offense.

A player who doesn’t miss anything. He can do absolutely anything for the success of the team. In the group he will have mainly defensive tasks. He’s absolutely crucial to the proper functioning of the defense.

Tomas Kalas

The position of stopper is one of the big question marks. If things don’t go well defensively, the end could come suddenly. Kalas is the logical choice. He has played a lot of games for the national team.

He’s rarely disappointed. He’s an excellent header with solid crossing skills. He played very well in the preliminary matches. He’s in solid form.

Ondřej Čelůstka

Not much choice. The situation is what it is. Let’s face it, Kalas’ teammate is the team’s weakness. But still better than his teammate Brabec. In the preparation against Italy, he was absolutely unlucky, made mistakes and is responsible for the crushing defeat. In games against teams with a fast transition to attack, he will have problems.

However, he is definitely capable of more than what he is currently showing. If he plays up to his standard, it might not be too bad. He scored an extra goal in the EURO dress rehearsal, maybe that will kick him into a better performance.

Jan Bořil

The mainstay of Slavia is an important member of the national team. He rarely disappoints. He can lift the team, motivate them properly. His speed is a limitation, but he can compensate for it with other strengths.

He will want to shine with the team. Bořil has never made any secret of his desire to play abroad. Success on the international stage is an ideal opportunity to awaken the interest of European teams.

Backup:

Tomas Soucek

Most important player in the team. The defensive shield and the link between the defensive and offensive lines. He is having a great season. He has shone at West Ham. He even made the team of the season thanks to his excellent performances.

Success with the national team would be a great end to an already great season. He will be a key player both defensively and in attack. The performance of the whole team will depend on him. It is imperative that he builds on his excellent performances in the Premier League and performs well at the Euros. If he can do that, he can succeed with the team.

Alex King

Another important member of the midfield. He excels in defensive work. He can also provide solid support to the attack and threaten from standard situations. He also had an excellent season. However, his rehearsal for the championship didn’t go so well. He needs to improve his performance.

The Czech team will rely on togetherness and teamwork. To do that, the heart of the team, the midfield, must be on the move. The King also has the motivation. Premier League teams are interested in his services. The EURO can help him to this dream engagement.

Vladimir Darida

Long-time team leader. Captain and leader of the team. This will be his third European championship where he will play. He should be the link between midfield and attack. He should be the most creative of the central midfielders and take care of the construction of the game. He will also have an impact on the physical dominance of the whole team.

Lukáš Masopust

The post that is the most controversial. there is no unanimous opinion on its solution. Masopust or Hložek. Complexity or predatory youth? I’d vote for the Slavia player. And for several reasons. He played very well against Albania.

He scored a goal + an assist and was the best player of the match. On the attack, Hložek is more direct and dangerous. But you also have to think about the back door. Masopust is better and more useful in this game. We should not forget who the Czechs will face in the group.

Their defence will be tested a lot and it is necessary that more offensive players get involved in the defence. Masopust in the starting lineup. Hložek replacing the tired defence. This seems to be the ideal option.

Jakub Jankto

On the opposite wing it won’t be that hard to decide. Jankto is the obvious choice. A creative player who can surprise, put a great strip behind the defence, find a teammate with a precise centre. He can set up chances, but also finish them himself.

Against Albania he threw away several chances in the end. He will have to convert those chances in the tournament. I hope he saves his goals for better opportunities. Jankto is one of the players on whom the team’s attacking power will depend a lot.

Attack:

Patrik Schick

Coach Šilhavý nominated up to 4 forwards for the tournament. Considering that he prefers to play with 1 striker, this may be an unnecessary luxury. However, that’s another debate. Schick will be the clear number one for the spike striker position.

He has excellent shooting instincts, is a quality header with a solid midfield game. It is the support of the other players that will be important for him. If there is not enough, he will be quite disconnected at the tip and the team will suffer in attack.

He’ll be expected to score the goals that will decide games. Without his scoring power, the Czechs will hardly succeed. Schick should confirm his reputation as a killer and drag the offensive attack of the whole team.

Source: Livesport