England 1-0 Croatia: 5 Talking Points as Three Lions get off to winning start

#3 England win but Southgate's team selection leaves fans scratching heads

England v Croatia - UEFA Euro 2020: Group D

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.

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