A superb performance from Kalvin Phillips was enough to see England narrowly defeat Croatia at Wembley in Euro 2020 Group D.
Phillips' incisive run and pass found the roving Raheem Sterling, who did enough to force the ball home and convert the best chance of a rather subdued contest.
DMCR
England
Phillips is quite obviously England's best midfield option for protecting the defence but here he proved to be much more than that too.
A real dynamic figure, he broke up everything that the combative and creative Croatia midfield could produce and showed a side of his game not often witnessed. He won the ball high but then played a gloriously-weighted pass into the path of Raheem Sterling, who was able to finish. A great display from the Leeds man.
A real dynamic figure, he broke up everything that the combative and creative Croatia midfield could produce and showed a side of his game not often witnessed. He won the ball high but then played a gloriously-weighted pass into the path of Raheem Sterling, who was able to finish. A great display from the Leeds man.
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England
England got the job done but it was mainly without the involvement of their captain and striker Harry Kane, who was extremely subdued throughout.
Kane's main chance was sliding in at the back post only for a last-gasp clearance denying him a certain goal, and he took a collision with the post for his troubles. But otherwise, Kane's general fitness seemed a little off after such a gruelling season.
Kane's main chance was sliding in at the back post only for a last-gasp clearance denying him a certain goal, and he took a collision with the post for his troubles. But otherwise, Kane's general fitness seemed a little off after such a gruelling season.
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Croatia
There was much doubt over Croatia's ability to create enough clear openings, and if they did, who would finish them.
Ante Rebic from Milan was given the nod, but was barely in the contest as he gave John Stones and Tyrone Mings very little to worry about. His best opportunity came as the ball dropped in the second half but he could only scuff his tame effort wide of the post. He was replaced soon after.
Ante Rebic from Milan was given the nod, but was barely in the contest as he gave John Stones and Tyrone Mings very little to worry about. His best opportunity came as the ball dropped in the second half but he could only scuff his tame effort wide of the post. He was replaced soon after.
