Euro 2021: Sterling delivers England against Croatia
Striker Raheem Sterling (foreground) scored England's winning goal against Croatia on Sunday, June 13, 2021 in London.
AP - Justin Tallis
Text by: Nicolas Bamba Follow
3 min
The Three Lions of England won their first match in this Euro, Sunday, June 13, in their temple of Wembley against Croatia (1-0).
Thanks to the only goal signed Raheem Sterling, the ambitious English team offered themselves the vice-world champions and got off to a good start in this tournament.
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Three years ago England's dream was shattered in the World Cup semi-finals in Russia.
The talented Croatia overthrew the men of Gareth Southgate and seized the ticket for the scheduled final against the France team.
Since then, things have changed.
Croatia has aged badly, conceding 11 defeats since this World Cup, while the English confirmed their progress posted on Russian soil.
Sunday, under the London sun, it was time for the reunion between the two nations.
Several times upset by this opponent in the past, England did not, this time, have to bow their heads at the final whistle.
The Three Lions logically won (1-0) for their entry into the running in this group D.
Sterling, a perfect weekend
The first period was broadly balanced.
Manchester City prodigy Phil Foden found the post from the outset (6th) before the debates waned.
It was after the break that the match changed.
Against a too wait-and-see Croatia, England found the loophole: Kalvin Phillips destabilized the Croatian rearguard and found Raheem Sterling in the area, who did not miss his duel with Dominik Livakovic (57th).
It's a perfect weekend for the Manchester City forward.
Saturday, he was made MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II, as a reward for his initiatives against racism and discrimination.
Sunday, he is essential scorer for England.
Almost never worried, the English held their advantage to the end.
This is a great first for the English selection: before Sunday, in nine appearances at the Euro, it had never won its opening match (five draws, four defeats).
England confirm that they intend to go far in this tournament with this final victory against Croatia.
She takes the lead in Group D pending the Scotland-Czech Republic match on Monday.
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