Luka Modric: 'Croatia must start well at Euro 2016'

Croatia midfielder Luka Modric has called on his team to beat Turkey and Czech Republic in their first two Euro 2016 matches ahead of a meeting with defending champions Spain.

The Blazers have been drawn into Group D of this summer's tournament and will open their challenge against Croatia on June 12, before facing Czech Republic on June 17 and Spain on June 21.

Real Madrid playmaker Modric wants his side to have qualification into the round of 16 sewn up by the time that they take on Spain in their third and final group match.

"I think the group is really difficult. Firstly we play Turkey, then Czech Republic and finally Spain. I think the first match will be key. If we manage to win, our path to the knockout stage will be easier," Modric told Marca.

"It will be hard as always against Spain, one of the best teams in the world. I hope we have already booked our ticket to the next stage by then. Our first goal is to advance past the group stage and I feel we are very capable of accomplishing it."

Croatia's opening clash against Turkey will take place in Paris.