Euro 2020: Raheem puts on 'Sterling' show as England beat Croatia 1-0

England’s Raheem Sterling after scoring against Croatia during the UEFA Euro tie at Wembley yesterday. Pic/AFP

Raheem Sterling ignited England's Euro campaign as the Manchester City forward's clinical finish sealed a 1-0 win against Croatia in their Group D opener on
Sunday.

Gareth Southgate's side were struggling to break down Croatia until Sterling struck in the second half at sun-baked Wembley. Sterling first goal at a major tournament - in his 13th game - was the perfect riposte to critics who questioned Southgate's decision to select him instead of Jack Grealish.

Destined to score

Sterling said he knew he would break his duck for England in major international tournaments when given the chance at Wembley. "I always said if I played at Wembley in a major tournament, I'm scoring. I had to score in my back garden and delighted to do that. There is a lot of different reasons why I haven't scored with my club, but that's irrelevant now, I'm here with my country now," added Sterling. "It's been a long season for me, but I couldn't wait to get here."

Sterling has endured a chequered relationship with England fans after being hounded following his tame performances at Euro 2016.

He also struggled to hold down a place with EPL champions City this term, culminating in his lacklustre display in their Champions League final defeat against Chelsea. But days after he was given an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for his anti-racism campaigning, Sterling enjoyed a perfectly-timed moment of redemption. In a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semi-final won by Croatia,

Sterling's winner eased the tension at Wembley and got fans bellowing Football's coming home in the hope England can emulate their run to the semi-finals when they hosted Euro 96, and maybe even win a major tournament for the first time since the 1966 World Cup.

Unconvincing performance

In truth, this was a far from convincing performance, but Southgate will take heart from the way his team kept their nerve on a pressure-packed occasion. England host Scotland in their second match on Friday before taking on the Czech Republic on June 22.

Also Read: Euro 2020: Portugal suffers massive blow as Joao Cancelo tests Covid-19 positive

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England's win over Croatia is their first ever victory in the opening tie of the European Championships

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