England player ratings vs Croatia: Kalvin Phillips and Raheem Sterling shine in opening Euro 2020 win
Phillips #Phillips
Three points, an attacking mindset and a solid defensive display. Gareth Southgate couldn’t have asked for a better start to England’s Euro 2020 campaign than the 1-0 win over Croatia on Sunday.
Kalvin Phillips produced a man-of-the-match performance in the heart of midfield alongside Declan Rice, while Raheem Sterling more than justified his selection by clipping home in the second half.
To a man England were composed and disciplined, but had an excitable edge going forward too that prevented Croatia – World Cup finalists three years ago – from ever really troubling their hosts.
And the individual performances will give Southgate plenty to think about heading into Friday’s second Group D clash against Scotland.
Here, i delivers our player ratings from a successful first match of the summer…
England player ratings
Pickford 7/10: Had little to do in terms of saves as the match wore on but did endure a slight communication mix-up with Walker in the second half that could have proved costly.
Walker 8/10: Dependable in defence and offered an experienced head during crisis moments upon rare Croatian forays into the England box. Matched up to Perisic well.
Stones 7/10: The most vocal presence at the back. Had no real problem swatting away occasional Croatian crosses but perhaps didn’t catch the eye as much as Mings. Who starts alongside Harry Maguire when fit remains an unanswered question.
Mings 8/10: Communicative and composed, the centre-back proved reliable alongside Stones against a creative Croatian attack. Was rarely under serious pressure.
Trippier 7/10: A surprise choice at left-back but did what Southgate needed of him and handled Kramaric all afternoon. Tucked in alongside the centre-backs when required.
Phillips 9/10: Created the opener and was always available for the ball. A calming presence in the midfield, capable of breaking down Croatia attacks and committing the tactical foul when required.
Rice 8/10: Looked comfortable alongside Phillips marshalling the midfield. A disciplined performance against the likes of Modric and Brozovic – he should keep his place for the Scotland game.
Foden 7/10: Energetic and impish, the Manchester City man proved a key outlet for Rice and Phillips to distribute forward. His relationship with Mount caused Croatia problems all afternoon.
Mount 8/10: Hungry for the ball and looking to play forward from the first minute. Fired a free-kick narrowly over the bar and was kept on when Southgate sought fresh legs. A sure choice to face Scotland.
Sterling 8/10: Took his goal calmly under pressure and looked lively on the flank. Stretched the game when Kane dropped deep and justified his start.
Kane 7/10: Led the line in typical fashion and kept Croatia’s two centre-backs busy while Sterling and Mount did the work. Dropped deep to create space behind him and let the fast men loose.
Subs
Rashford 6/10: Largely ineffectual on the right when replacing Foden but shifted up front after Kane’s withdrawal and kept the Croatian defence on its toes.
Bellingham 6/10: Won a crunching first tackle and wasn’t afraid to get stuck in. This was a first taste of tournament football for the 17-year-old and more minutes may well come this summer.
Calvert-Lewin N/A: Didn’t have enough time to prove himself but will be glad to have earned a cameo. He needs to be ready to replace Kane should the captain suffer injury this summer.