The play-offs to determine the final countries involved in this summer’s showpiece have been confirmed. Jakub Moder now has the chance to be part of the competition after a nail-biting win on penalties against Wales sent Poland into Group D alongside Austria, Netherlands, and France. Poland will be underdogs in their group, but we have come to expect the unexpected in major tournaments.
However, he will not be the only Seagull on international duty in Germany this summer. There is the potential for a few of his club colleagues to be involved, but who has the potential to go furthest in the competition?
Lewis Dunk – England – 5 caps
There is a good chance that the Brighton skipper will be on the plane to Germany in June. Dunk was called up by Gareth Southgate for the recent friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, replacing Harry Maguire in the 67th minute against Brazil, before playing the whole match against Belgium.
Consistent club form coupled with the current shortage of fit and in-form centre backs should see him selected. As for England’s chances, the latest odds from the Cloudbet sportsbook have them as favourites.
If he does manage to get minutes in Germany, betting markets might have an eye on Dunk to get a goal too. Plus, he can take a penalty.
Pascal Gross – Germany – 5 caps
It was Gross’s form at Brighton that propelled him onto the international stage, allowing him to make his debut at the age of 32.
Since getting the call up by Hansi Flick, he has been a mainstay in recent squad selections by Julian Nagelsmann.
For Germany, the recent wins over France (2-0) and Netherlands (2-1) in friendly matches yielded very positive results, but exactly how the hosts deal with the pressure of playing at home might determine how far they go.
Outside chances
Bart Verbruggen (Netherlands – 5 caps) was given the nod for that recent friendly against Germany and put in a very accomplished performance with a string of very impressive saves in the second half.
He will likely be competing with Mark Flekken (Brentford) and Marco Bizot (Brest) for the number one shirt and while the Netherlands might not be the force they once were, Ronald Koeman still has a strong mix of experience and youth to call on. Jan Paul van Hecke (8 U21 caps) also has an outside chance of a call-up.
And finally, Billy Gilmour (19 caps, 1 goal) will be an assured starter for Scotland if he can prove his fitness and could come face to face with Brighton teammate Pascal Gross.
Scotland were drawn in a difficult group with the hosts, Hungary, and Switzerland but the Scots travel in numbers and will be looking to upset the odds.
