Raheem Sterling’s second-half goal helped England beat Croatia 1-0 in the opening match of Group D at Euro 2020.
England threatened Croatia’s goal early as Phil Foden hit the far post after five minutes and Kalvin Phillips’ shot from outside the box forced Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic to save low down.
The Three Lions dropped their pace after 20 minutes, but Croatia captained by 35-year-old Luka Modric could barely create any chance in the first half. Croatia, who ousted England from the semifinals at the World Cup three years ago, improved a little after the interval but Sterling gave the 2018 World Cup runners-up a blow by sending Phillips’ pass into net from close range after 57 minutes.
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic made several changes after 70 minutes, but the team could barely challenge England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. England boss Gareth Southgate also tried to refresh his front line by substituting Foden with Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford and replacing Harry Kane with Dortmund teenager Jude Bellingham, but the Three Lions failed to add another but wrap the game up 1-0.
England will wait at Wembley to host Scotland on Friday before facing the Czech Republic on the same pitch nest Tuesday.
England 1-0 Croatia
Sterling (57)
