EPL Players at EURO 2024 – Day 11
Yesterday we saw group B conclude, with Spain finishing top with nine points, while Italy also advanced. As part of our EPLNews EURO 2024 report, here is how Premier League players performed in these games.
Albania 0-1 Spain
Spain became the first team at the EUROs to gather nine points by narrowly beating Albania in Düsseldorf.
A fine finish from Ferran Torres in the first quarter of an hour meant that the Albanians had a mountain to climb in their attempt to progress. They did give a good account of themselves, as they managed to have more shots on target than Spain (4-3) and finish the tournament with plenty to be proud of.
In terms of Premier League players, Albania had Thomas Strakosha in goal from the start, while Armando Broja came off the bench around the hour mark and had a big chance in injury time to equalise, but did not make the most of it.
For Spain, only goalkeeper David Raya took to the field, as coach Luis de la Fuente made 10 changes to his starting XI from the previous game.
Ratings
Albania: Thomas Strakosha (Brentford) – 6; Armando Broja (Chelsea) – 6
Spain: David Raya (Arsenal) – 7.5
You can find highlights and reactions by clicking here.
Croatia 1-1 Italy
A superb goal deep into injury time from substitute Mattia Zaccagni earned Italy a draw and broke the hearts of Croatia, who now finished the group on two points and minus three goal difference, making it unlikely to qualify to the round of 16.
Once again, only three EPL players were involved, with City duo Joško Gvardiol and Mateo Kovačić playing for Croatia and Arsenal’s Jorginho starting for Italy. However, only Gvardiol played the entire game.
This result also means that Italy have made it through and will be playing Switzerland in the round of 16. It is the fifth time in a row that the Azzurri make a knockout stage appearance at the EUROs.
Ratings
Croatia: Joško Gvardiol (Manchester City) – 7; Mateo Kovačić (Manchester City) – 7
Italy: Jorginho (Arsenal) – 7.5
Click here for highlights, reactions and details from this game.