Sterling scores as England beat Czechs to top group

Raheem Sterling’s first-half winner against The Czech Republic secured England top spot in Group D tonight at Wembley, with Croatia joining the Three Lions in the last 16 after dumping Scotland out of the competition with a 3-1 win.

Most pre-match talk was over the omission of Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho, but Jack Grealish and Bukayo Saka brought a much-needed energy boost to Gareth Southgate’s side, who looked far more lively than during their 0-0 draw against Scotland.

England were inches from an early lead when Luke Shaw brilliantly picked out Sterling, who lobbed goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik, only to see his effort rebound off the post.

England continued to bomb on down the wings though, with Grealish working himself some space in the Czech penalty area to cross for a back post headed goal from Sterling in the 12th minute.

Jordan Pickford kept his side ahead with an excellent save, while England’s back four looked far more confident due to the return of Harry Maguire, shutting out their opponents to top the group without a goal conceded.

The news wasn’t so good for neighbours Scotland though, who went behind early against Croatia through Nikola Vlasic, but soon got to celebrate their first goal of the tournament as Callum McGregor found the net from distance.

Despite chances to take the lead, Croatia’s quality eventually shone when Luka Modric bagged a stunning outside of the boot effort from range, before Ivan Perisic ended the match.

The result means Croatia jump up to second place, qualifying automatically for the knockouts alongside England, while The Czech Republic will join them with their four points enough to qualify in third place.