EURO 2020: Raheem Sterling strike gives England an unconvincing 1-0 win over Croatia

Raheem Sterling being congratulated by Kalvin Phillips after he scored against Croatia in EURO 2020 Group D clash at Wembley on Sunday

Xtra Time Web Desk: A second half strike from Raheem Sterling gave England a perfect start to their EURO 2020 campaign. It was far from convincing win from Gareth Southgate’s boys as they defeated Crotaia 1-0 at Wembley on Sunday.

Despite a patchy goal scoring form for Manchester City, Sterling started in the first XI for the Three Lions. It was his effort in the 57th minute that brought smiles to 25000 strong English fans who was at the stadium. It was Sterling’s 13th international goal from his last 17 games. Sterling slotted in after excellent build-up play from Kalvin Phillips. It was a perfect revenge for the home side as the Croats knocked them out of the World Cup semi-finals three years ago.

Phil Foden struck the post early on as England began well before both sides appeared to slow in the heat but Southgate’s side grabbed the lead just as their visitors appeared to be gathering some momentum and saw it through without any major alarms to the delight of their returning home fans.

Jude Bellingham became the youngest player in history to appear at a EURO (17 years and 349 days). The Dortmund midfielder broke the mark set by the Netherlands’ Jetro Willems (18 years and 71 days) in 2012 when he was introduced in the closing stages of the match. Enzo Scifo had previously held the record since 1984.

England will next meet Scotland on Friday.