EPL Players at EURO 2024 – Day 2
We are really in the thick of it now, with 3 games every day, so as part of our EPLNews EURO 2024 report, here is how Premier League players performed in yesterday’s games.
Hungary 1-3 Switzerland
The Hungarians had 2 Premier League players take to the field in the starting XI, with Milos Kerkez and captain Dominik Szoboszlai representing Bournemouth and Liverpool, respectively.
Switzerland boss Murat Yakin called upon Newcastle’s Fabian Schär and Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji.
The first half was under Swiss control, which they capitalised on to lead 2-0 at the break. In the second half, Szoboszlai assisted a goal for Hungary to give their fans some hope of a comeback. It was not to be, as Switzerland scored once more in injury time to seal the result.
Ratings
Hungary: Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth) – 6.5; Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool) – 7
Switzerland: Fabian Schär (Newcastle) – 7; Manuel Akanji (Manchester City) – 7
For highlights and reactions, click here.
Spain 3-0 Croatia
The Spanish starting XI had Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella and City’s Rodri, while Croatia fielded 2 Cityzens, Joško Gvardiol and Mateo Kovačić.
All the games came in a first half dominated by Spain and, while Croatia was the better team after the interval, they could not turn their superiority into goals, despite a second half xG of 1.83.
None of the EPL players on show directly contributed to goals, but the 2 Croatians stood out for different reasons: Kovačić was the best player for his team, with some great link-up play, while Gvardiol had an uncharacteristically shaky showing.
Ratings
Spain: Marc Cucurella (Chelsea) – 7; Rodri (Manchester City) – 7
Croatia: Joško Gvardiol (Manchester City) – 5.5; Mateo Kovačić (Manchester City) – 7.5
For highlights and reactions, click here.
Italy 2-1 Albania
This game only had 2 Premier League players involved, with Arsenal’s Jorginho starting for Italy and Chelsea’s Armando Broja leading the way for Albania.
Despite the early shock of conceding the fastest goal ever at a EURO, with Albania finding the net after just 22 seconds, Italy mounted a comeback and, in the 16th minute, they had already set the final score.
The second half was more balanced than the Italy-dominated first one, but Albania could not find the way to another goal.
Ratings
Italy: Jorginho (Arsenal) – 7.5
Albania: Armando Broja – 5.5
For highlights and reactions, click here.