AG百家乐在线官网

Euro 2020: Raheem Sterling scores as England beat Croatia 1-0 in first Euro 2020 game at Wembley

It is the first time England have ever won their opening match of a European Championship.

Sunday 13 June 2021 17:40, UK

Soccer Football - Euro 2020 - Group D - England v Croatia - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - June 13, 2021 England's Raheem Sterling celebrates scoring their first goal Pool via REUTERS/Andy Rain
Image: Raheem Sterling (L) celebrates his second-half goal
Why you can trust Sky News

England have beaten Croatia 1-0 in their opening Euro 2020 game at Wembley.

The only goal came from Raheem Sterling in the 57th minute - his first in a major tournament - in the same week he was made an MBE in the Queen's birthday honours list.

It is the first time England have won their opening match of a European Championship tournament.

Raheem Sterling (L) celebrates his second-half goal
Image: It was the first goal for Sterling (L) in a major tournament. Pic: AP
Euro 2020 - Group D - England v Croatia - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - June 13, 2021 England's Phil Foden shoots at goal and hits the post Pool via REUTERS/Laurence Griffiths
Image: Phil Foden makes an early attempt at goal, but hits the post. Pic: AP

England dominated in the first half, with Phil Foden hitting the post six minutes in and Kieran Trippier coming close with a free kick just before half-time.

Croatia appeared to come out stronger after the break, until Sterling scored with an assist from Kalvin Phillips, while captain Harry Kane collided with the post soon after as he looked to double the lead.

Manager Gareth Southgate celebrates the win. Pic: AP
Image: Manager Gareth Southgate celebrates the win. Pic: AP

They had their chances but England held on to secure maximum points ahead of their next game against Scotland on Friday.

Asked about his performance after the match, Sterling told the BBC: "I've always said if I play at Wembley in a major tournament, in my back garden, I'm scoring. So it's great to finally do that."

More on Euro 2020

Related Topics:

One fan was taken to hospital in a serious condition after falling from the stands just after the match started.

"We can confirm that a spectator fell from the stands just after kick off in the match between England and Croatia at Wembley Stadium, " a spokesperson for the ground told Sky News.

Euro 2020: 10 moments that could make the tournament very special
Euro 2020: 10 moments that could make the tournament very special

"The spectator was given on-site medical attention and was then taken to hospital in a serious condition."

Some fans booed as a number of England players took the knee before kick-off, but they were soon drowned out by applause.

Manager Gareth Southgate wrote an open letter to fans stating the squad's intention to make the anti-racism gesture throughout the tournament after they were booed for doing so during their two warm-up matches.

The FA has also called on England supporters to back the team's decision.

Fans cheer from the stands at Wembley. Pic: AP
Image: England fans cheer from the stands at Wembley. Pic: AP

There were cheers ahead of the match as announcers wished Danish player Christian Eriksen well following his collapse during the Denmark's game against Finland on Saturday.

A big screen displayed the message "Best wishes Christian" as applause broke out in the stands.

The Group D clash was held in front of 22,500 fans at Wembley in accordance with the government's lockdown roadmap.

There were cheers as the announcer wished Christian Eriksen well. Pic: AP
Image: There were cheers as the stadium announcer wished Christian Eriksen well. Pic: AP

Hopes of restrictions being lifted completely in England on 21 June are diminishing after Prime Minister Boris Johnson admitted he is less optimistic amid a rise in cases and the spread of the Delta (Indian) COVID variant.

A final decision, which could mean more fans allowed in football stadiums, is due to be announced on Monday.

Related Topics