Staff Reporter.
@EURO2020.
England beat Croatia 1-0 in the opening game of their Euro 2020 campaign at Wembley on Sunday.
Raheem Sterling 57th minute winner was enough to seal three points for England in a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semifinals between the two sides.
England were the dominant side in the goalless first half but Croatia picked up the pace starting the second half with Luka Modric making an attempt which was saved by Jordan Pickford.
Boos were heard as England players took a knee before kickoff, despite pleas from the Football Association and England coach Gareth Southgate to respect players, although they were drowned out by applause from other supporters.
Southgate sprang a surprise in his starting lineup, with Kieran Trippier selected at left back instead of Ben Chilwell and Luke Shaw, but England began brightly with Phil Phoden hitting the post on five minutes.
The decision paid off for Southgate as Trippier looked dangerous down the left and Foden lively within the first five minutes.
It took 26 minutes for Croatia to threaten, with Ivan Perisic having an effort on goal, and from there they started to settle.
England’s next game is against Scotland on June 18 at Wembley, while Croatia will face Czech Republic at Hampden Park.