Rangers star Borna Barišić could face disappointment in his bid to kick-off Euro 2020 as Croatia’s first-choice left-back with manager Zlatko Dalić reportedly set to pick RB Leipzig wonderkid Joško Gvardiol for this afternoon’s clash with England.
Barišić has been in stunning form for Rangers over the course of the season but missed a handful of games towards the end of the campaign after picking up an injury.
The left-back made his return in the pre-Euro 2020 friendlies but was hooked at half-time of the 1-0 defeat by World number one ranked Belgium.
That was Gvardiol’s first appearance for his country after he helped Dinamo Zagreb to win a domestic league and cup double this season while on loan.
Gvardiol joined RB Leipzig in a €16million move from the Croatians last summer before immediately being loaned straight back.
His impressive performances won him a place in Dalić’s squad for the finals and he could now start ahead of Rangers’ talisman.
Barišić scored five times and contributed 14 assisted for Rangers as the romped to the Scottish Premiership title with a record points gap between the Light Blues and Old Firm rivals Celtic.
The former NK Osijek has made 20 appearances for his country so far after cementing himself as Croatia’s first-choice at left-back in the wake of their World Cup 2018 final defeat by France.
With England also set to spring a few surprises with their selection this afternoon at Wembley, Barišić likely won’t be the only one disappointed at missing out on the Euro 2020 clash.
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