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England's UEFA Euro 2020 campaign began at the Wembley Stadium, as they hosted Croatia in a Group B encounter. The Three Lions won their first game of a European Championships tournament for the first time in their history, as their new, youthful generation produced a spirited showing to record a 1-0 victory.
Gareth Southgate's team selection ahead of kick-off raised eyebrows, as the England manager opted to start Kieran Trippier as a makeshift left-back despite having Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell in the squad. Raheem Sterling's inclusion ahead of the likes of Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford also divided opinion amongst the Three Lions faithful, with the 26-year-old coming on the back of a quiet season with Manchester City.
Nevertheless, England raced off the blocks and dominated proceedings in the opening exchanges. Phil Foden came ever so close to breaking the deadlock in the sixth minute, but his shot cannoned off the post in what was a lucky let-off for Croatia.
Zlatko Dalic's side couldn't get a grip of the game and conceded a few more chances, but they grew in stature after weathering an early storm from the home side. Croatia left gaping holes in their backline at times in the first half, but England were unable to make them pay. However, after the interval, Sterling capitalized on one of those chances to break the deadlock for the Three Lions.
Phillips was heavily involved in the build-up and played a brilliant pass into the box for the Manchester City man, who slotted the ball in from close range past the despairing dive of Dominik Livakovic.
Both sides made a raft of substitutions in the last quarter of the game, with Jude Bellingham’s introduction turning out to be a historic moment. At 17 years and 349 days, the dynamic midfielder became the youngest player in the history of the competition, as he replaced Harry Kane in the closing stages.
England saw off the game comfortably and recorded three massive points in front of their home fans to start Euro 2020 with a win. On that note, here are five talking points from the game.
#5 Kalvin Phillips stars for England with complete display
With Jordan Henderson playing just 45 minutes of competitive football since February, Kalvin Phillips was chosen to partner Declan Rice and Mason Mount in the England midfield. The Leeds United star is coming on the back of a stellar season in the Premier League and showed his class with a commanding display.
Phillips was England's best player in the first half and understood the assignment perfectly. On the grandest stage, he seemed like a kid in a candy store, as he enjoyed lunging into tackles and breaking up play for his side.
The 25-year-old also showed his quality in attack with a brilliant assist for Sterling’s goal, indicating that he’s more than capable of contributing to both phases of play. Phillips produced a brilliant display in England’s most difficult group stage fixture on paper and should retain his place in the starting XI if he carries on playing like this.
#4 Croatia continue to struggle in front of goal
Ante Rebic led the line for Croatia with Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric stationed on the wings. While Dalic’s front three looked impressive on paper, they flattered to deceive against an England backline that missed Harry Maguire.
Croatia failed to create any clear cut chances and barely troubled Jordan Pickford between the sticks. Bruno Petkovic started their pre Euro 2020 friendly against Belgium, but the young striker didn’t really do enough to cement his place in the starting XI.
Croatia’s struggles in front of goal since Mario Mandzukic’s retirement is well documented. However, they have quality players in the front third and should have enough in their arsenal to beat Scotland and Czech Republic.
#3 England win but Southgate's team selection leaves fans scratching heads
When the England team sheet was released over an hour before kickoff, fans and pundits across the world were left perplexed by two of Gareth Southgate's decisions. Kieran Trippier, a naturally right-sided player, was chosen ahead of Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell, while Raheem Sterling got the nod in attack over Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish.
The Manchester City man turned out to be the match-winner, but the England manager's decision to bench Jack Grealish, who many believe should be one of the first names on the team sheet, divided opinion. As for Trippier, it was apparent that he was chosen due to his set-piece prowess, with the Atletico Madrid man widely regarded as one of the best free-kick takers in the business.
For the upcoming game against Scotland, though, Southgate is likely to turn to either Shaw or Chilwell at left-back, with Harry Maguire also in the running to make his return to bolster the England rearguard.
#2 England outplay Croatia in the center of the park
With Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic, Croatia boast one of the strongest midfield trios in international football. England, on the other hand, opted to go with Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips and Mason Mount, each of whom played their first games at a major tournament. It didn't really matter, though, as the Three Lions ran the Croatian players ragged in the center of the park.
With Rice sitting as the deepest midfielder, Phillips was awarded the license to push up aggressively and win the ball back for his side. He did so with aplomb and contributed emphatically to both phases of play, as he emerged as England's best player of the game.
Mount, on the other hand, passed the ball well and drove forward when space emerged, as he carried on his fine form for his country. Modric was Croatia's lone warrior in midfield, as the 35-year-old attempted to make things happen despite not receiving too much in the way of support from his teammates.
#1 England prevail despite Kane's no-show in front of goal
Harry Kane has been England's talisman over the years and is one of the most feared strikers on the planet. The England captain is coming on the back of a stunning season with Tottenham Hotspur, having won his third Premier League Golden Boot. Kane also won the Golden Boot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and was widely expected to be England's main threat against Croatia.
However, it wasn't his finest night for the Three Lions, as he failed to make an impression. That's not necessarily a bad thing for Southgate, though, as his side have been awfully reliant on their talisman over the years. The England manager will take encouragement from the fact that the Three Lions prevailed against a quality side despite his talisman's failure to get his name on the scoresheet, with Sterling emerging as the match-winner on the night.
With games against Scotland and Czech Republic on the horizon, Kane will look to open his account at Euro 2020 and get his hands on yet another Golden Boot to add to his growing collection.
