2pm GMT Kick Off, Wembley Stadium, Euro 2020 Group D
England Get Their Euro Campaign Underway With A Win Against Croatia At Wembley.
Raheem Sterling got the only goal of the game, as they beat Croatia at Wembley, which puts them top of the group, and already in a great position to progress past the group stage.
England nearly had the perfect start. Raheem Sterling picked the ball up in midfield and drove at the Croatian defense. He played it to Phil Foden who looked to curl it into the far corner but it cannoned off the post and away from danger.
Then it was Kalvin Phillips who went close to the opener. A corner was cleared, and he fired the ball towards the goal, which Dominik Livakovic had to deal with.
England pilled the pressure on Croatia, as they pushed for this early goal, this time Mason Mount tried to be the architect. He played a wonderful ball over the top to Sterling, who just couldn’t find the space to get a shot off.
Just before half time, England had another chance, this time from a set piece. Kieran Tripper stood over the ball, but it was blocked by the Croatian wall.
Despite little creativity in the first half, Croatia came close to the opener, as they looked to capitalise on a mistake. Tripper tried to head it back to Jordan Pickford, but Ante Rebic was there. Luckily for England, Pickford was quick enough to clear the possible danger.
After all the chances, England finally took the lead thanks to Sterling. Phillips did well to beat a number of Croatian players and played a weighted ball into Sterling’s path. He hit the target, Livakovic got a hand to it, but couldn’t keep it out the net.
Harry Kane could have doubled their lead minutes later, after Mount moved the ball to the back stick were Kane was open. Josko Gvardiol was there to block a certain goal.
Then it was Mount who went close. From a free kick, Mount got it over the wall, but it had too much power on it and hit the top of the net.
Croatia had few chances, but once again, they were at hand top capitalise on a mistake. Rebic won a header from a cross, which Pickford and Kyle Walker didn’t deal with and let Ivan Perisic have a sniff, but Pickford finally collected the ball before the winger could get on the end of it.
England were able to pick up the three points and put themselves in a great position to progress through the groups. They face Scotland next, with a win putting them into the round of 16.
Man Of The Match – Kalvin Phillips
The Leeds midfielders was a pleasure to watch in this game, as he covered the pitch for England.
He made a number of tackles and interceptions which didn’t allow Croatia much attacking threat, while also getting himself a well earnt assist in the only goal of the game.
“Olympic Football at Wembley Stadium” by the_junes is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
Final Whistle 