England 1-0 Croatia: player ratings from Euro 2020 Group D opener

ENGLAND

Jordan Pickford (GK) The Everton goalkeeper did not have much to do. His back four shielded him well. 6

Kyle Walker (RB) Sloppy in possession at first. But he defended well and was involved in Sterling’s goal. 6

John Stones (CB) The Manchester City centre-back had an assured game. Offered smart positioning and ran off cramp. 8

Tyrone Mings (CB) The centre-back’s poor distribution was a problem. Kept hitting long balls. But Croatia created little. 7

Kieran Trippier (LB) Kept checking back on to his right foot, draining momentum from attacks. Solid at the back. 6

Declan Rice (CM) The defensive midfielder had a typically strong game. Won possession and protected the back four. 7

Kalvin Phillips (CM): Justified his selection. Almost scored and injected urgency with a run to create the opener. 8 (motm)

Mason Mount (CM): The 22-year-old was busy, drifting to the left, and almost created a goal for Kane. 7

Phil Foden (RW): Almost made a dream start, hitting the post. Expended a lot of energy before going off. 6

Harry Kane (CF): The captain had a ponderous game. His touch was off. Relieved to escape serious injury after hurting himself on a post. 5

Raheem Sterling (LW): A lively performance. He ran at Croatia and silenced his critics by scoring the winner. 8

Subs:

Jude Bellingham (for Kane, 82) The teenager continues to shine at this level. Won his tackles and looked mature beyond his years. 7. Marcus Rashford (for Foden, 71): 6

Croatia

Dominik Livakovic (GK): He reacted swiftly to deny Phillips, but was powerless when England broke the deadlock. 6

Sime Vrsaljko (RB): Battled to keep control of Sterling and tried to support the attack. His crosses caused concern. 5

Duje Caleta-Car (CB): Went to ground and was beaten too easily by Phillips when England took the lead. 5

Domagoj Vida (CB): The imposing centre-back edged wide to mark Kane, leaving room for Sterling to score. 6

Josko Gvardiol (LB): Looked scared of Foden during the early stages and failed to stop Phillips breaking forward. 5

Luka Modric (CM): Veteran briefly exerted control when the pace slowed. Yet his powers are on the wane. 6

Marcelo Brozovic (CM): The Inter midfielder was careless in possession and he was booked in the second half. 5

Mateo Kovacic (CM): He had an intelligent game and drove forward encouragingly at times. Lacks an end product. 6

Andrej Kramaric (RW): The former Leicester forward offered little before being removed once Croatia were behind. A disappointment. 5

Ante Rebic (CF): Ineffective. The striker struggled to hold the ball up and wasted a chance to equalise. 5

Ivan Perisic (LW): The Inter winger spurned a decent chance, volleying over. He lost his battle with Walker. 5

Subs:

Nikola Vlasic: 6