The team will have to face Italy, Spain and Albania in the first stages of the competition before hitting the knockout rounds of the tournament, and despite their past successes, the 58-year-old manager’s initial “goal” is focused on the early games.

He told World Soccer magazine: “Realistically, our group is the most difficult.

“We are with Italy, the current European champions, Spain, winners of the Nations League, and the big surprise of the qualifiers, Albania, who will be motivated and full of energy.

“And we were third in the world in 2022, and second in the Nations League in 2023. Our goal is to pass the group stage.”

Zlatko and his players are always thankful for their supporters.

He said: “We are a small country, with clubs and a league that cannot compete with the highest ranks.

“However, we have players at big clubs in all of the strongest leagues who are inspired by the love and support of our fans.

“In the Nations League final in Rotterdam, we were cheered on by a crowd of 35,000.

“We will also enjoy a lot of support in Germany.

“This interest creates great responsibility, because our football team has probably become the biggest brand of the Croatian nationality.

“We are ready to represent the values of our people.”