England off to winning start after Sterling downs Croatia

England have taken the initiative in Group D after beating Croatia 1-0 at Wembley Stadium.

England started brightest and almost went ahead after three minutes when Phil Foden saw his curling effort rebound off the post.

Raheem Sterling then broke into the box before being snuffed out, with Kalvin Phillips stinging the palms of Dominik Livaković with a well timed half-volley.

Despite Croatia growing into the game, England broke the deadlock through Raheem Sterling who slotted home after being played in by Kalvin Phillips.

Mason Mount went close to doubling their Three Lions’ lead but fired his free-kick just over the bar with Livaković beaten.

Zlatko Dalić made two attacking changes – with Josip Brekalo and Nikola Vlasić coming on – but neither impacted the game as England secured a crucial three points.