Moder: Poland happy to be underdogs

Albion midfielder Jakub Moder has warned their Group D rivals not to underestimate Poland when they kick off their Euro 2024 campaign on Sunday.

The 25-year-old returned to action last season after a lengthy injury lay-off and made 17 appearances in all competitions, and his form was enough to earn him a recall to the Poland squad for the tournament.

The Poles are in a tough group alongside favourites France, Netherlands – whom they meet in their opening game in Hamburg on Sunday – and dark horses Austria.

But being underestimated could help Poland, according to Moder.

“The fact that we are seen as underdogs can work to our advantage,” Moder told TVP Sport. “Everyone thinks that France and the Netherlands are the favourites in our group so because few people count on us we feel little pressure. That is all the more reason for us to show that we have a good team.”

With Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen already slated by Dutch coach Ronald Koeman to be his first choice there will be at least one familiar face in the opposition line-up.

“We talked a lot about the Euros before we came here,” said Moder. “[Bart] is the No1 for them and for Brighton. I know the others players too and what they can do. I haven’t thought too much about how we can surprise them but I’m sure the coach has.”