UEFA Euro 2020, England vs Croatia Highlights.UEFA Euro 2020, England vs Croatia Highlights: England opened their European Championship campaign with a 1-0 victory over FIFA 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia at the Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday.
Gareth Southgate’s men managed to register a first-ever win at the start of a Euros courtesy of a 57th-minute winner by Raheem Sterling. Fed by Kalvin Phillips from the heart of midfield, the Manchester City forward slotted the ball past a hapless goalkeeper. England threatened right from the start with Phil Foden hitting the woodwork inside five minutes. On the other hand, Croatia lacked sharpness in the final third and failed to mount any pressure on England.
No sting in the tale, no late surprises from Croatia. England collect precious three points in their bag and their first-ever opening game victory in the Euro finals on the back of a Sterling winner in the 57th minute. They next face Scotland on Friday.
Croatia are giving their all right now, with new boys Petkovic and Vlasic trying to wriggle their way through that packed England backline. But Southgate's men are resolute so far... happy with sitting deep. Meanwhile, Atalanta's Pasalic replaces Kovacic.
The 17-year-old Bellingham comes on in place of skipper Kane. Southgate is opting to pack that midfield in the final ten.
England make a change. Rashford comes on for Foden. Meanwhile, Vlasic, Brekalo replace Brozovic, Kramaric respectively.
Yellow for Brozovic! A necessary challenge on Mount to break up the counter-attack. From the resulting set-piece, Mount provides some elevation to the ball and sends it to the far corner but not on target. Still 1-0, but England seem refreshed right now.
And we have lift off! Sterling opens the scoring much to the elation of Wembley! England move the ball through the middle and Phillips orchestrates the attack. He carries the ball ahead and passes it to the forward who then slots it past Livakovic! 1-0!
At the centre of the park, Kovacic is a bit too tough with his challenge on his Chelsea teammate Mount. He goes into the book.
Croatia restart the proceedings and it's all to play for at Wembley!
All level at the break! England started the half brilliantly with some proper attacking intent, threatening the Croatia goal twice through Foden and Phillips. But it went downhill from there with even Croatia looking toothless. Time for Grealish or Rashford?
Caleta-Car brings Sterling down after the ball was played over the top... and he handles the ball too. He gets booked for the offence. From the resulting free kick, Trippier hits the wall and it goes out for a throw. Croatia players let out a sigh of relief.
The tempo has dropped by a lot as the ball continues to be bounced from one end to another without any promise. Both the teams have dropped deep, looking to play it safe. More than shots on goal, offsides have ruled large in the past ten minutes.
Croatia are having a nice spell with the ball for the last five minutes. Sticking to the right flank and relying on the runs of Vrsaljko, they are taking the long route instead of relying on Modric, Kovacic's short passing ability. Kramaric and Rebic still isolated.
A good start by England so far! The Three Lions have not allowed a single proper chance to the opposition while circulating the ball with purpose. They are sticking to the left hand side a bit more, using Sterling's agility and Trippier's passing prowess.
Although Croatia were passing the ball in the initial stages, they seem so far off it now. Sterling does a one-two with Kane and he penetrates from the left-flank, inside the box, but Vida comes to the rescue. Off the corner, Phillips forces a save with a low shot.
Phil Foden! The Manchester City midfielder comes very close inside the opening five minutes. England move the ball upwards with intent for the first time in the match... Foden collects the ball from Sterling and his left-footed shot hits the right post! Unlucky.
England players take the knee before kickoff and they set it rolling! No Liverpool or United player today for them. But, here we go!
Although, coach Southgate has opted to go ahead with a back four instead of a back three, he has made some brave choices. He has named a makeshift left-back in Trippier and has dropped Sancho from the bench. No Grealish or Henderson either.
Since 2018, England have traced an upward trajectory, morphed from a set-piece reliant bunch to an irresistibly creative force, exacted revenge on Croatia in the UEFA Nations League, and look like title contenders, or better still, a championship guzzling machine. They would be an indistinguishably superior group to what Croatia, an ageing side, had out-muscled in Moscow. | READ |