Three things Southgate for right in Euro 2020 opener – but he made one mistake
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England got their Euro 2020 campaign underway at Wembley Stadium with a 1-0 win over Croatia.
Raheem Sterling earned the Three Lions all three points after a composed finish in the second-half.
Gareth Southgate's team selection divided opinion heading into the match as he made some unexpected calls for the team's opening contest.
There was no place in the team for Jadon Sancho or Jack Grealish, meanwhile Kieran Trippier got the nod at left-back. Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was forced to settle for a place on the bench, meanwhile.
Daily Star Sport have assessed three things the England boss got right and one mistake he made during the team's win at Wembley…
Dropping Jack Grealish
It was a strange decision by the England boss to leave out a player who stood out the most in the Three Lions' two warm-up fixtures against Austria and Romania.
The Aston Villa captain displayed his ability to link midfield in attack in these matches, as well as his ability to win a number of fouls.
England struggled to creative many clear-cut opportunities against Croatia and were lacking the touch of class the 25-year-old often provides.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the second-half through Sterling, but this was a questionable decision nonetheless.
Starting Phil Foden
The Manchester City youngster was a threat throughout the game and justified his starting place within the team.
Foden struck the post inside the first six minutes, issuing an early warning of his threat in the final third of the pitch.
Though unable to get on the scoresheet for Southgate's side, the 21-year-old looked at home despite playing in his first major tournament with England.
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Playing two defensive midfielders
Much of the talk heading into this game had been about how Southgate would set up his midfield.
Some argued that it would be a mistake to select two defensive midfielders due to all the attacking talent available, but that is exactly what the England boss did.
He opted for the 4-2-3-1 system, with Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips acting as the holding midfielders.
The Premier League pair limited Croatia to only a handful of opportunities and made a positive impression throughout proceedings.
Phillips, in particular, was exceptional for the Three Lions. The Leeds United man came close to scoring early on with a well-struck volley and later set-up Sterling's goal.
Backing Raheem Sterling
Sterling repaid Southgate's decision to start him by scoring the winning goal for the Three Lions.
After a poor individual season for Manchester City, this was a bold decision by the England boss to start the 26-year-old.
The former Liverpool man has now found the net 13 times in his previous 17 England appearances.
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- England Football Team
- Gareth Southgate
- Euro 2020
- Raheem Sterling
- Harry Kane
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