Spain v Croatia Euro 2024 Group B preview

The wait is finally over, and Euro 2024 is upon us! In one of the tournament's opening matches Spain and Croatia clash in a highly anticipated Group B encounter on June 15th.

Spain, the 2012 European champions, boast a rich history of success, with three titles to their name. This time around, Luis de la Fuente's men are looking to add another crown to their collection. With a talented squad at their disposal, they are well-equipped to overcome the challenges ahead. Their attacking flair and possession-based style will be put to the test against a formidable Croatian side who tend to do well in international tournaments.

Croatia, on the other hand, have shown remarkable resilience in major tournaments, reaching the World Cup final in 2018 and the semi-finals in 2022. With a strong squad and an unyielding spirit, they will certainly give Spain a run for their money. The Croats' defensive solidity, coupled with their ability to absorb pressure, will make them a force to be reckoned with.

Two of the most intriguing battles will unfold on the pitch: the clash between Spain's creative force, Pedri, and Croatia's defensive stalwart, Josko Gvardiol. Meanwhile, the battle for supremacy in midfield between Spain's Rodri and Croatia's Mateo Kovacic, team mates at Manchester City, will be crucial in deciding the outcome of the match. 

Spain are the favourites with the bookies heading into their Group B opener, with the bookies clearly feeling that the 2008 and 2012 tournament winners will kick off their campaign by picking up all three points on June 15.

Both nations are boasting fully fit squads, which will come as music to the ears of both the respective managers. Spain are expected to line up with Rodri at the base of midfield, in front of Aymeric Laporte and behind Pedri, while Croatia will start with Josko Gvardiol at the back, behind Kovacic and Luka Modric.

The probable teams for the match are: 

•  Spain: Simon - Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Grimaldo - Merino, Rodri, Pedri - Yamal, Morata, Williams
• Croatia: Livakovic - Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol - Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic - Majer, Budimir, Kramaric
  

UEFA Euro 2024 is finally here, and after the opening match between Germany and Scotland, Spain v Croatia promises to be a tough affair against two of the better sides competing in this summer's tournament.

Spain's young side will be hoping to show that they've got the potential to do what the 2008-2012 team did, whilst Croatia's more experienced starters will want to show they're not past their best just yet.

Ladbrokes has published an article looking at the betting odds for each of the nations competing in Euro 2024, starting with the favourites England and ending with Georgia, who have been priced at 500/1.

A betting tips and predictions piece looking at five of the first round fixtures from Euro 2024 was also released, with picks from Germany v Scotland, Portugal v Czech Republic and more.

View the latest football odds.

All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.