Thank you for tuning into Sportskeeda's coverage of England's comfortable 1-0 victory over World Cup finalists Croatia. We will bring you all the LIVE updates and build-up from the matches involving Group C and D in the next couple of days. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda for the extensive coverage of Euro 2020. Until next time, stay safe.
At their tenth time of asking, England have won their first match of a European Championship campaign. Kalvin Phillips' remarkable run cut open the Croatian backline, after which he played Raheem Sterling through for the opening goal. England outplayed Zlatko Dalic's troops from the front to back. There was never a moment when Jordan Pickford was tested by the industrious Croatian midfield.
Sterling answered his critics in sumptuous fashion. He now has 13 goals in 17 matches for England. England take on Scotland on 18 June, whilst Croatia will hope to put forth a more direct display against Czech Republic.
England win! 1-0 victory against Croatia.
94' Another poor ball from Croatia results in an English throw-in. It's almost over now at Wembley.
92' Croatia, once again, are trying to find spaces between the England midfielders but are unable to advance forward.
91' Final substitution. Raheem Sterling, the potential match-winner, is off for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
90' Croatia are not able to get out of their back. They are trying to play the patience game but after a poor cross from Perisic, Pickford holds on to the ball.
86' Croatia are probing, but haven't produced anything that has unsettled Jordan Pickford. Three minutes of normal time left to play.
85' A free-kick for Croatia. It's a high line for England. The ball is played deep, but Car fouls Stones with a lot of pushing in the box.
17 years, 349 days—Jude Bellingham comes on for #ENG and becomes the youngest player to ever feature in a European Championship #EURO2020pic.twitter.com/0ORSCFcefF
82' Bellingham makes history as he comes on for Harry Kane.
81' England regroup again. Kovacic gives away the ball for a throw-in.
80' A potential English counter-attack arises with Kane almost getting hold of a loose pass. The ball, however, only drifts away from him.
79' Only ten minutes remain. Modric, Kovacic and the full-backs are playing higher up the field.
78' Croatia are ready to give it a real rattle now. Rebic is off for Petkovic.
Croatia are now playing with an extra body up top. They are pushing everybody forward. Meanwhile, Rice clears an overload from the Croatians from the right.
75' John Stones pulls his hamstring while challenging. After a couple of minutes, he is able to walk it off and continue.
73' A cross from Vrsaljko is played into a dangerous area. Walker keeps his cool to let the second ball go for Pickford despite being pushed back by the Croatian forwards.
Croatia make a double change in order to get back into the game. Josip Brekalo is on for Andrej Kramaric, Nikola Vlasic comes in for Marcelo Brozovic.
70' Marcus Rashford comes on to a wonderful reception from the English fans. Phil Foden is substituted.
67' Mount takes a wonderful effort to the left of Livakovic. Great effort, but it had to be inch-perfect.
Brozovic drags Mount down after three English bodies swarm around Croatia. In the turnover of possession, Mount wins the free-kick.
63' Foden receives a yellow card for stamping his opponent.
Kane, in his followthrough there, collided with the post but is okay to continue.
62' Huge chance for Kane! A brilliant run of play down that left-hand side results in Rice finds Mount on the flanks.
That's what the game needed! It required someone to make that run adrift of their positions and spark an attack. Two amazing runs split the Croatian defence, which had no answers to the guile.
58' Once again it's Kalvin Phillips who runs in behind and finds himself in space. He lays a through ball to Sterling, who tucks it away.
57' GOAL FOR ENGLAND! RAHEEM STERLING!
54' After some patient build-up, Modric finds himself in space and unleashes his first effort of the afternoon. It's straight at Pickford, who gathers comfortably.
52' There's another long ball from the Croatian midfield onto their right-back. Trippier wins it back and then sets off.
48' Trippier almost plays Rebic in! Out of absolutely nowhere, under pressure, Trippier plays a back pass too softly for Pickford. The keeper is alert and is able to clear the ball into the sunny skies at Wembley.
47' Yellow card for Mateo Kovacic! The Croat, as always, carries the ball but fouls Mount after being tackled.
46' Perisic is played in on the left flank. He tries to stretch the English back line but is ruled offside. Croatia have to play that wide ball into Perisic more often.
Second-half underway at Wembley! Croatia get us started in what promises to be an engaging encounter.
England started the game in a fearless fashion. They were all over Croatia in the opening 10 minutes, but sporadic moments of drive and precision from Croatia sprung a few alarm bells. England, however, were largely assured. They came closest to breaking the deadlock through Phil Foden, who struck the frame of goal with a wonderfully crafted strike from his left foot. Kalvin Phillips has been extremely mobile with his runs and free roam. As for Croatia, Kovacic, Modric and Brozovic have tried to weave through England and spark creativity.
Big second-half coming up!
HALF-TIME! England 0-0 Croatia
45' Croatia almost get through on goal twice through Perisic and Kovacic, but Stones and Mings thwart the danger, respectively.
43' Dangerous free-kick for England in the territory! Trippier lines it and smashes it straight on to Perisic's face.
40' Brozovic spots the run of Gvardiol, but his cut-back is too loose. England retain the ball.
The pace of the game has slowed down, with both teams winning more free-kicks and keeping it very tight in midfield.
38' After a sustained spell of possession, Trippier spots the run of Phillips but the midfielder is offside.
35' Sterling wriggles his way through the Croatian defence and plays it to Foden. The youngster is pushed down but referee says play on.
34' Another passage of play between Modric and Brozovic. Walker, who is having a bit of a nightmare so far, wins it back.
32' Miscommunication between Perisic and Gvardiol as they both leave a long ball for each other and it results in a throw-in.
England were in ascendence but the probing has now weathered to an extent. Croatia are not just hanging on but slowly growing into the game. Mings has been exceptional for England.
29' The Croatian right-back is starting to get the ball much more. He moves the ball onto his left foot and crosses it towards the far post, but the ball is too much for Perisic.
27' Chance for Perisic!
The Inter Milan forward finds space down the left-wing and lashes a wild effort well over the bar.
25' Another pass into the path of Rebic, who's on the move. Mings, however, beats him in the footrace and clears it away.
23' Vrsaljko whips in a decent cross towards Rebic in the middle, but Mings gets to it first. Croatia are seeing more of the ball now through Kovacic and Modric.
22' As Vrsaljko tries to carry the ball forward, Sterling tracks him all the way back and wins possession back.
20' Mount finds Sterling with an absolute peach of a pass over the top of the Croatian defence. The Manchester City forward tries to loop one over onto the far post, but the danger is averted.
19' Phillips knicks the ball off Kovacic with a lunging tackle and then fires it towards goal with his left foot. Foul for Croatia, though, for his challenge on Kovacic.
At the moment, Kalvin Phillips is playing higher up the field down the left channel. Rice and Phillips aren't playing alongside each other. Instead, Rice is operating from a deeper position.
16' Chance for England as Kovacic brings an English player down. Trippier lifts it over the top for Kane, but the flag is raised.
13' Finally, Croatia are able to stretch the English defence and endure a spell of possession. England, however, win it back through Stones.
11' Sustained pressure from England makes Croatia crumble. Their midfield is unable to combat the energy of Mount, Sterling and Phillips. As a result, England win a throw-in.
8' Chance for Sterling!
Mount zips a pass into the path of Kane, who shrugs off a challenge and lays it on for Sterling. The latter gets his feet muddled up and fails to get a shot away. England corner.
6' OFF THE POST!
A wonderful throw-in from Trippier to Sterling carves open the Croatian defence. Foden, as comfortable on the ball, cuts into his left and shoots straight on to the post. This has been a lively start.
4' Modric and Perisic drive forward with the ball and create space down that left-hand side. As Modric looks for a one-two, the referee stops play for hand ball. England ball.
3' Mount, Phillips and Sterling get together a string of passes but the latter's heavy touch results in a Croatia free-kick.
2' A very scrappy start to the game. England try to play a couple of long balls into the channel but Croatia are superior in the air.
Kick-off! England get the ball rolling in their all-white strip.
The players are heading out to roll at Wembley stadium!
Harry Kane is leading the English side out from the tunnel.
Gareth Southgate on why he picked Trippier in the starting XI -
“With Kieran we feel he's a very experienced player and a good 1 v 1 defender to stop crosses coming in. His communication and leadership will be a help and his experience will help us."
Just a couple of kids with a dream!
Mason Mount and Declan Rice are starting together for England on the biggest of stages 🏴❤️ pic.twitter.com/hHA89VqbVM
Meanwhile, Croatia have opted for their traditional 4-3-3 configuration. Dominik Livakovic will guard the posts for his team. Ahead of him, Josko Gvardiol, Caleta Car, Domagoj Vida and Sime Vrsaljko form the back line. Luka Modric, their talisman, is accompanied by four-time UCL winner Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic in the three-man midfield. Andrej Kramaric, Ante Rebic and Ivan Perisic will lead the firing line for Croatia.
England's Southgate seems to have plotted a 4-2-3-1 formation, as he feels this is the setup that can best accommodate the pool of talent he has at his disposal. As envisaged, Jordan Pickford starts in goal. Kieran Trippier gets the nod at left-back ahead of Ben Chilwell and Luke Shaw, while Tyrone Mings and John Stones complete the heart of defence. Kyle Walker will play at his preferred right-back position. Declan Rice and Leeds United''s Kalvin Phillips are set to protect the backline, with Mason Mount, Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane tasked with supplying the goods in front of goal.
JUST IN:
Jadon Sancho, Harry Maguire and Ben Chilwell are not named in England's matchday squad.
🗒️ TEAM NEWS: 5 players make their tournament debuts for the England senior team - Mings, Phillips, Rice, Mount and Foden...
🏴 Most exciting player in this XI = _______@England | #EURO2020
England starting XI Pickford; Walker, Stones, Mings; Trippier; Rice, Phillips; Foden, Mount, Sterling; Kane.
Head-to-head
In total, England and Croatia have faced-off against each other in 10 games. The Three Lions have emerged victorious five times, while the Croats have mustered three victories. This will be their third meeting in a major tournament.
Earlier today, the Athletic reported that Kieran Trippier would start at left-back for England. If true, Southgate's decision may come as a surprise to many across the landscape.
Here's what our SK expert columnist, Jim Beglin, feels is England's most well-rounded playing XI. Should the in-form Luke Shaw start for England?
The Blazers, much like England, topped their qualifier group with consummate ease. Along the way, Croatia scalped five wins and two draws from their eight outings. (17 points)
Portugal, Germany, France, Belgium and England are amongst those widely tipped to go the distance this Euro 2020. All the above teams have world-class personnel, and on their day, each and every one of them can obliterate their opponents. A lot rides on the way systems and methodologies are implemented by managers.
Gareth Southgate will hope to take England to the European championship finals for the first time
No team has played more European championship games without ever reaching the final than England - 31. This is their 10th campaign in the Euros; Is Gareth Southgate the man to marshal this polished unit to the top of Europe?
Meanwhile, read SK expert columnist Paul Merson's view on five surprise contenders for the Euro 2020 Player of the Tournament accolade.
Can Bruno Fernandes replicate his domestic form in Euro 2020?
The Three Lions arguably have one of the most talented squads in the tournament. In the qualifiers, they won seven and lost just one of their matches, scoring 37 goals in that period. Gareth Southgate's charges have quality, enviable depth and team that has what it takes to go one step further than their recent exploits in major tournaments.
Croatia have lost two of their last five matches, a tally that has seen the team fall short against Belgium and Slovenia. At the start of this month, they were also held by Armenia in a 1-1 draw. Most notably, Dalic and co. head into Euro 2020 without Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Rakitic, who have retired from international football.
England and Croatia are poised to add another chapter to this newfound rivalry. At Wembley Stadium, Gareth Southgate's men will be hoping to get the better of the opponents who dumped them out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Zlatko Dalic, meanwhile, has overgrowing concerns over Croatia's recent form. All of that could change on the big stage, and the UEFA Nations Cup defeat to England a couple of years back will only add to their motivation.
It should be a tightly-contested affair between a team that relies on tactical aptness and another that contains a young, energetic arsenal.
Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's live coverage of another eagerly-anticipated Euro 2020 fixture. In the first of three games today, tournament favourites England are set to take on Croatia at Wembley stadium. The game is slated to commence at 14:00 (local time) and 18:30 (IST).
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda for the extensive coverage of Euro 2020.
Until next time, stay safe.
At their tenth time of asking, England have won their first match of a European Championship campaign. Kalvin Phillips' remarkable run cut open the Croatian backline, after which he played Raheem Sterling through for the opening goal.
England outplayed Zlatko Dalic's troops from the front to back. There was never a moment when Jordan Pickford was tested by the industrious Croatian midfield.
Sterling answered his critics in sumptuous fashion. He now has 13 goals in 17 matches for England.
England take on Scotland on 18 June, whilst Croatia will hope to put forth a more direct display against Czech Republic.
Josip Brekalo is on for Andrej Kramaric, Nikola Vlasic comes in for Marcelo Brozovic.
Out of absolutely nowhere, under pressure, Trippier plays a back pass too softly for Pickford. The keeper is alert and is able to clear the ball into the sunny skies at Wembley.
Croatia have to play that wide ball into Perisic more often.
England, however, were largely assured. They came closest to breaking the deadlock through Phil Foden, who struck the frame of goal with a wonderfully crafted strike from his left foot.
Kalvin Phillips has been extremely mobile with his runs and free roam. As for Croatia, Kovacic, Modric and Brozovic have tried to weave through England and spark creativity.
Big second-half coming up!
The Inter Milan forward finds space down the left-wing and lashes a wild effort well over the bar.
Mount zips a pass into the path of Kane, who shrugs off a challenge and lays it on for Sterling. The latter gets his feet muddled up and fails to get a shot away. England corner.
A wonderful throw-in from Trippier to Sterling carves open the Croatian defence. Foden, as comfortable on the ball, cuts into his left and shoots straight on to the post. This has been a lively start.
Harry Kane is leading the English side out from the tunnel.
“With Kieran we feel he's a very experienced player and a good 1 v 1 defender to stop crosses coming in. His communication and leadership will be a help and his experience will help us."
Dominik Livakovic will guard the posts for his team. Ahead of him, Josko Gvardiol, Caleta Car, Domagoj Vida and Sime Vrsaljko form the back line.
Luka Modric, their talisman, is accompanied by four-time UCL winner Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic in the three-man midfield.
Andrej Kramaric, Ante Rebic and Ivan Perisic will lead the firing line for Croatia.
As envisaged, Jordan Pickford starts in goal. Kieran Trippier gets the nod at left-back ahead of Ben Chilwell and Luke Shaw, while Tyrone Mings and John Stones complete the heart of defence. Kyle Walker will play at his preferred right-back position.
Declan Rice and Leeds United''s Kalvin Phillips are set to protect the backline, with Mason Mount, Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane tasked with supplying the goods in front of goal.
Jadon Sancho, Harry Maguire and Ben Chilwell are not named in England's matchday squad.
Livakovic; Vrsaljko, Vida, Caleta-Car, Gvardiol; Brozovic, Modric, Kovacic; Rebic, Perisic, Kramaric.
Pickford; Walker, Stones, Mings; Trippier; Rice, Phillips; Foden, Mount, Sterling; Kane.
In total, England and Croatia have faced-off against each other in 10 games. The Three Lions have emerged victorious five times, while the Croats have mustered three victories.
This will be their third meeting in a major tournament.
Here's what our SK expert columnist, Jim Beglin, feels is England's most well-rounded playing XI.
Strongest possible starting XI for England | UEFA Euro 2020
Along the way, Croatia scalped five wins and two draws from their eight outings. (17 points)
All the above teams have world-class personnel, and on their day, each and every one of them can obliterate their opponents.
A lot rides on the way systems and methodologies are implemented by managers.
Our SK experts, including Paul Merson, Jim Beglin and Peter Pedroncelli, had their say on the winners of the tournament and Golden Boot award.
Euro 2020 predictions: Winners and Golden Boot picks from Paul Merson, Jim Beglin and SK experts
No team has played more European championship games without ever reaching the final than England - 31.
This is their 10th campaign in the Euros; Is Gareth Southgate the man to marshal this polished unit to the top of Europe?
Euro 2020: 5 surprise contenders for the Player of the Tournament award
Gareth Southgate's charges have quality, enviable depth and team that has what it takes to go one step further than their recent exploits in major tournaments.
Most notably, Dalic and co. head into Euro 2020 without Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Rakitic, who have retired from international football.
Zlatko Dalic, meanwhile, has overgrowing concerns over Croatia's recent form. All of that could change on the big stage, and the UEFA Nations Cup defeat to England a couple of years back will only add to their motivation.
It should be a tightly-contested affair between a team that relies on tactical aptness and another that contains a young, energetic arsenal.
England vs Croatia prediction, preview, team news and more | UEFA Euro 2020
The game is slated to commence at 14:00 (local time) and 18:30 (IST).