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England opened their Euro 2020 campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Croatia in front of 22,000 fans at the Wembley Stadium in London.
It marked the first time England won their opening game at the Euros as the Three Lions also exacted revenge for their loss to Croatia in the 2018 FIFA World Cup semi-finals.
A calmly slotted finish from Raheem Sterling in the 57th minute was enough to give Gareth Southgate’s men all three points. On that note, let's have a look at the player ratings of both teams.
England Player Ratings
Jordan Pickford - 6.5/10
The Everton keeper hardly put a foot wrong, but he was also hardly tested by Croatia on the night. In a solid display, the 27-year-old made two saves and claimed one cross. Pickford's leadership from the back played a key role in England keeping a confidence-boosting clean sheet.
Kyle Walker - 6/10
A lot has been made about England’s right-back situation, with the list of names for that position being seemingly endless. Nevertheless, Southgate opted with the most experienced option - Kyle Walker - only for the Manchester City man putting on an indifferent outing.
The 31-year-old gave away possession on 15 occasions, the most by any England player on the pitch. Although Walker was sloppy on the ball, he was relatively solid defensively and pocketed Ivan Perisic for the entire game.
Also Read: Fabrizio Romano's Transfer Roundup: Update on Manchester United's pursuit of Jadon Sancho, Chelsea's plans for Hakimi, and more.
John Stones - 7/10
A superb season with Manchester City has made John Stones one of Southgate’s key players. Against Croatia, the England centre-back didn’t put a foot wrong as he marshalled his team and ensured they kept a precious clean sheet.
Tyrone Mings - 7/10
After a few shaky outings against Romania and Austria, Mings put in a performance to quieten his naysayers. The Villa man dominantly won two-thirds of his duels, made four interceptions and three clearances, and wasn’t dribbled past once.
Kieran Trippier - 7.5/10
Trippier’s inclusion as a makeshift left-back raised a lot of eyebrows, especially with Luke Shaw on the bench and Ben Chilwell cut from the squad. However, the 30-year-old was instrumental in England’s win. His deliveries over the top to Sterling were England’s best escape from Croatia’s press, while his 1v1 defending was impeccable on the night.
Declan Rice - 7/10
At the base of the England midfield, Rice put in an industrious performance. The 22-year-old was tasked with the 'dirty' work of sweeping up balls in front of his defence and intercepting through balls, which he did with aplomb.
Kalvin Philipps - 8/10
Deployed in an unfamiliar role as a box-to-box central midfielder, the Yorkshireman put in a world-class display. Phillips registered an incredible 94% pass accuracy, completed 66% of his dribbles, created one big chance and provided the all-important assist for England's winning goal.
Mason Mount - 7/10
Despite not playing a minute in England’s warm-up games, Southgate thrust Mount straight into the starting XI and with good reason. The 22-year-old is a generational talent who can play anywhere in the front six.
Against Croatia, the youngster drifted mostly to the left to link up with Sterling, creating 2v1 overloads down that flank. His movement was difficult to track, and his 93% pass accuracy was impressive.
Phil Foden - 6.5/10
At just 20 years of age, Foden displays maturity beyond his years. Within the first five minutes of the game, the Manchester City star cut in from the right and fizzed a shot against the woodwork. His influence in the game dwindled after that moment, but the youngster could have a say in the tournament in the coming days.
Raheem Sterling - 8.5/10
After a mediocre domestic campaign, many were doubting the inclusion of Raheem Sterling in the England squad. However, his international manager never lost faith in him and started Sterling ahead of Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish.
The 26-year-old responded by scoring the game’s only goal and was a threat in front of goal all match. The kid from Brent delivered on the big stage with a 'Man of the Match' performance.
Harry Kane - 6.5/10
Often seen dropping deep into midfield, England’s captain struggled to influence the game. Kane was limited to just one attempted shot all match before he was substituted.
Ratings of England Substitutes
Marcus Rashford - N/A
Brought on for Foden to add some fresh legs to the England attack, Rashford eventually ended up playing through the middle, chasing every loose ball possible.
Jude Bellingham - N/A
The 17-year-old continues to defy all the odds by even being in the England squad. However, on the day, he didn’t get much time to influence the game.
Dominic Calvert Lewin - N/A
Coming on with only two minutes to go, he barely touched the ball.
Also Read: Paul Merson's 5 surprise contenders for the Player of the Tournament award.
Croatia Player Ratings against England
Dominik Livakovic - 6/10
England only had two shots on target, meaning Livakovic saved one shot and let one in for a 50% success rate on the day.
Sime Vrsaljko - 5.5/10
Best remembered for his performances in an Atletico Madrid shirt, the 29-year-old struggled to cope with the passing triangles of Mount, Sterling and Trippier.
Domagoj Vida - 6/10
With no Harry Kane to mark due to his insistence on dropping deep, Vida was left with open space to mark.
Duje Caleta-Car - 5.5/10
When Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden made runs into the Croatia box, Caleta-Car was like a deer in the headlights, not knowing whom to track or close down.
Josko Gvardiol - 6/10
Gvardiol was relatively untested down the left flank, but he also did not contribute effectively in the final third. The 19-year-old made zero tackles, one interception and provided one cross in a rather forgettable performance.
Marcelo Brozovic - 5.5/10
At the base of Croatia’s fluid midfield, Brozovic was tasked with ensuring his centre-backs didn’t get overloaded in the central areas. Unfortunately, he was doubled up on by Kane and Philips, with the latter often surging past Brozovic. Even on the ball, Brozovic often wasn’t able to beat England’s press as he was dispossessed 12 times.
Luka Modric - 6.5/10
It’s honestly an honour to still be watching Luka Modric play at the age of 35. Although this wasn’t one of his best games, Croatia’s captain oozed class every time he touched the ball. The little magician managed to complete 93% of his passes, win five duels and create two chances against England.
Mateo Kovacic - 6/10
Chelsea’s midfield maestro came up short in a stadium he’s so used to playing at. In a rather ineffectual display, Kovacic made 48/55 passes but created zero goalscoring opportunities against England.
Andrej Kramaric - 5/10
On the right of a rigid Croatian front three, Kramaric didn’t attempt a single shot on goal.
Ivan Perisic - 6/10
The last time these two nations played in a major tournament, it was Ivan Perisic who was the difference-maker. But on the day, Perisic didn’t get much joy against Kyle Walker, as the former didn’t complete any successful take-ons.
Ante Rebic - 5/10
Against a dominant Mings and Stones, Rebic was largely a non-entity at the spearhead of the Croatia's attack.
Ratings of Croatia's substitutes against England:
Nikola Vlasic - N/A
Vlasic made eight passes and lost the ball five times in a rather forgettable cameo.
Josip Brekalo N/A
Stationed out on the right, Josip Brekalo only managed to make eight of 12 passes against England.
Bruno Petkovic - N/A
The 26-year-old only touched the ball five times against the hosts.
Mario Pasalic - N/A
The midfielder came on with five minutes to go and made as many passes on the night.
