Sterling scores to help England win opener at Euro 2020

LONDON, June 13 : Raheem Sterling's second-half goal helped England beat Croatia 1-0 in the opening match of Group D at Euro 2020 on Sunday.

This game was played at London's Wembley Stadium as the British capital is one of the 11 cities to host the event. This is the first time that England has won its opening game at a European Championship. In its previous nine appearances in the tournament, England had drawn five and lost four of its openers.

England threatened Croatia's goal early as Phil Foden hit the far post after five minutes and Kalvin Phillips' shot from outside the box forced Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic to save low down.

The Three Lions dropped their pace after 20 minutes, but Croatia captained by 35-year-old Luka Modric could barely create any chance in the first half.

Croatia, who ousted England from the semifinals at the World Cup three years ago, improved a little after the interval but Sterling gave the 2018 World Cup runners-up a blow by sending Phillips' pass into net from close range after 57 minutes.

"To be honest, I always said to myself if I come here, growing up two minutes down the road, I know I have to score here. It was a great feeling to actually do it," said the Manchester City striker after the match.

Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic made several changes after 70 minutes, but the team could barely challenge England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

England boss Gareth Southgate also tried to refresh his front line by substituting Foden with Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford and replacing Harry Kane with Dortmund teenager Jude Bellingham, but the Three Lions failed to add another but wrap the game up 1-0.

England will wait at Wembley to host Scotland on Friday before facing the Czech Republic on the same pitch nest Tuesday.

Scotland and the Czech Republic will play their first match of Group D at Hampden Park in Glasgow on Monday.

(Xinhua)