England beat Croatia 1-0 in their first Euro 2020 game at Wembley.
The only goal came from Rahim sterling in the 57th minute – his first in a major tournament – the same week he was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honors List.
It is the first time that England have won their opening game of the European Championship.
Raheem Sterling (L) was assisted by Kalvin Phillips to score after half-time. Photo: AP
Phil Foden makes a first attempt at goal, but hits the post. Photo: AP
England dominated in the first half, with Phil Foden hitting the post six minutes later and Kieran Trippier approaching a free kick just before half-time.
Croatia seemed to come out stronger in the second half, until Sterling scored with the help of Kalvin Phillips, while captain Harry kane collided with the post as he looked to double the lead.
Manager Gareth Southgate celebrates the victory. Photo: AP
They had their chances but England held on to get the maximum points before their next game against Scotland Friday.
Asked about his performance after the game, Sterling told the BBC: “I’ve always said if I play Wembley in a major tournament, in my backyard I score. So it’s good to finally do it.”
Some fans booed as a number of England players knelt before kick-off but were quickly overwhelmed with applause.
Director Gareth Southgate wrote a open letter to fans declaring the team’s intention to make the anti-racist gesture throughout the tournament after being booed for doing so in their two warm-up games.
The FA also called on England fans to support the team’s decision.
English fans cheer from the Wembley stands. Photo: AP
There was cheering before the game as the announcers wanted Danish player Christian …
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Source: news.sky.com
This notice was published: 2021-06-13 12:35:00
