Spain v Czech Republic. Thomas Giles prediction

After suffering humiliation at the last World Cup, Spain will be looking to return to their dominant ways at this summer’s European Championships. They are undoubtedly the favourites for this group although they know that any complacency will see them slip up, just like they did in Brazil.

Czech Republic are one of those seen as a dark horse for most tournaments but most expected them to finish bottom of Group D at Euro 2016. However, after Turkey’s loss to Croatia, the Czech’s will be confident they can qualify from the group.

Vincente del Bosque’s Spain side are in transition as the generation who dominated football in the last few years are making way for a younger group of players. With both Real Madrid and Sevilla winning the major domestic European competitions this season, the monopoly of Spanish football does not look like ending any time soon.

Despite doing so well at the last Euros without a recognised striker, it looks like the highly-rated Alvaro Morata will lead the line for Spain, with the likes of Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas being his supply line. The Spaniard’s are not only excellent going forward but are also solid at the back, only conceding three in their qualification campaign.

The Czech’s do not have many star names in their squad with goalkeeper Petr Cech the most recognised name in the team. They will clearly be solid at the back and look to hit on the counter. This is not a match that will define Czech Republic’s tournament but a point will set them up nicely for their match for the next two games.

I believe Spain will have too much for Pavel Vrba’s men with the star quality they have on the pitch. There is no value in backing Spain for a straight win so for there to be a score of 2-0 to Spain at 6/4 any time offers the best odds where a return is likely.