Euro 2020: Matches with the biggest Chelsea influence

Croatia vs. Scotland

When: Tuesday, June 22
Croatia: Mateo Kovacic
Scotland: Billy Gilmour

Last but not least, two sides we already covered. If Gilmour is picked, this could be an incredibly interesting watch as he tries to handle Kovacic’s intensity while disrupting Modric’s influence. There’s a world where Scotland progresses out of the group stage and Gilmour picks up accolades as one of the standout young players in the tournament. If that’s going to happen, this match would be the turning point.

I’m suspicious of Croatia. Its run to the World Cup final was full of good luck and close calls, and the squad is almost definitely worse than it was three years ago. Scotland isn’t particularly good, but it has a lot of pros who play at the type of level where you have to eke out wins against more fancied opponents in order to survive. I like Scotland’s chances in this match, with or without Gilmour, but the inclusion of Wee Billy G could make this one of the standout matches of the entire competition.

Prediction: 1-0 Scotland

Something, something, there can only be one, etc.

Quick note for Cesar Azpilicueta. Spain’s group includes Poland, Slovakia and Sweden, none of which include any Chelsea players or relevant links. I’m hoping Azpilicueta can get a well-deserved run of matches for his country, but I’m pessimistic if only because he’s been thoroughly overlooked for so long.

Here’s hoping we’ll be back after the group stage talking about how he’s dragging Spain through the competition through sheer force of will. Again, not optimistic, but seeing him out there at the top of the game where he belongs will be great viewing on its own. Hopefully Luis Enrique feels the same way.

Which match intrigues you the most? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!