England face Croatia in the inaugural match of Group D Euro 2020 [Euro 2021] at Wembley Stadium, on Sunday (13/6) evening. England won this match with a score of 1-0 over Croatia.
England immediately took the initiative to attack since the first whistle sounded. Meanwhile, Croatia chose to play patiently and build attacks slowly from the bottom.
In the 15 minutes of the first half, England took control of the game by successfully creating a number of threats to the heart of the Croatian defense.
Among them are Phil Foden’s hard kick which still hit the Croatian goal post, then Raheem Sterling’s flick which the goalkeeper can still block, and Kalvin Phillips’ hard kick from outside the penalty box which the Croatian goalkeeper can still block.
Not only managed to threaten through a number of attacks, England was also able to put pressure on a third of Croatia’s defense, making the Croatian players not free to build attacks.
Entering the final 15 minutes of the game, Croatia began to escape the pressure of England. Zlatco Dalic’s troops were able to provide several threats to the heart of the English defense through crossing passes.
However, until the final whistle of the first half sounded none of the goals were able to be created by both teams. The first half match ended 0-0.
In the second half, the game was more balanced with both teams attacking each other. In the 57th minute, England managed to break the deadlock through Raheem Sterling’s goal after continuing Kalvin Phillips’ brilliant pass.
England got another chance through Harry Kane’s kick in the 61st minute. Unfortunately, the England captain’s kick was still soaring over the Croatian goal.
Eight minutes later, England again threatened the Croatian goal through Mason Mount’s free kick which was still thin over the Croatian goal.
Until the end of the match no additional goals were created. England also ended this match with a 1-0 win over Croatia.
In the next match England will meet Scotland on Saturday (19/6). Meanwhile, Croatia will face the Czechs on Friday (18/6).
England vs Croatia Line-up at Euro 2020
England XI (4-2-3-1): Jordan Pickford; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Tyrone Mings, Kieran Trippier; Calvin Phillips, Declan Rice; Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount, Phil Foden; Harry Kane.
Croatia XI (4-1-4-1): Dominik Livakovic; Sime Vrsaljko, Domagoj Vida, Duje Caleta-Car, Josko Gvardiol; Marcelo Brozovic; Andrej Kramaric, Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Perisic; Ante Rebic.
