As Euro 2024 approaches, Croatia's head coach Zlatko Dalic has unveiled his 26-man preliminary squad, led by the legendary Luka Modric in what is likely to be his final international tournament.

Luka Modric, the veteran captain, and Real Madrid star, will aim to guide his team to another strong performance on the European stage.

Dalic has retained the core of the squad that achieved a third-place finish at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with 20 of the 26 players returning. New additions include goalkeeper Nediljko Labrovic, defenders Marin Pongracic and Luka Ivanusec, and midfielders Martin Baturina, Marko Pjaca, and Marco Pasalic.

Notably absent from the squad is former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren. Croatia also have put nine players as the reserves.

Croatia has earned a reputation as a giant killer in recent major tournaments, finishing as runners-up in the 2018 World Cup and third in the 2022 World Cup. They also came close to winning the UEFA Nations League last year, narrowly losing to Spain in the final.

Modric, making his fifth European Championship appearance, hopes to lead his team to similar heights in Germany.

Croatia will face a challenging Group B, starting with a match against Spain on June 15, followed by games against Albania and reigning European champions Italy. The squad's blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers will be crucial in steering these tough fixtures.

Croatia Euro 2024 Squad

Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic (Fenerbahce), Nediljko Labrovic (Rijeka), Ivica Ivusic (Pafos)

Defenders: Josip Sutalo (Ajax), Domagoj Vida (AEK Athens), Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City), Josip Stanisic (Bayer Leverkusen), Borna Sosa (Ajax), Josip Juranovic (Union Berlin), Martin Erlic (Sassuolo), Marin Pongracic (Lecce)

Midfielders: Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City), Luka Sucic (RB Salzburg), Mario Pasalic (Atalanta), Nikola Vlasic (Torino), Lovro Majer (Wolsfburg), Luka Ivanusec (Feyenoord), Martin Baturina (Dinamo Zagreb), Marcelo Brozovic (Al Nassr)

Forwards: Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim), Ivan Perisic (Hajduk Split), Marko Pjaca (Rijeka), Bruno Petkovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Ante Budimir (Osasuna), Marco Pasalic (Rijeka).

Reserves: Borna Barisic (Rangers), Duje Caleta-Car (Lyon), Kristijan Jakic (Augsburg), Dominik Kotarski (PAOK), Toni Fruk (Rijeka), Marin Ljubicic (LASK), Igor Matanovic (Karlsruhe), Niko Kristian Sigur (Hajduk Split), Petar Sucic (Dinamo Zagreb)