Booked
It was only the UEFA Nations League but England’s players and fans celebrated revenge win over Croatia as if they’d ended 52 years of hurt...and maybe, just maybe, THEY CAN!
Rather subdued performance and hooked early
Was magnificent first half, ran the game but could not maintain it Sterling
Played well but all about missed chances More frustration Rashford
Needed to be more ruthless but played better than some
Was anonymous for long periods, but delivered yet again
Alli (Barkley 63) 6 Lingard (Delph 73) 8 Sancho (Rashford 73) 6
MATCH STATS
REF: Anastasios Sidiropoulos ATT: 78,221 bubble, England have topped a group which included Spain and Croatia and that is no mean feat.
Even more impressive was the way they fell behind at Wembley, refused to buckle and came back to gain revenge over their World Cup semi-final conquerors.
Suddenly, England fans are scrambling to book hotels in Porto next June. For all the detractors and cynics, the Nations League has breathed new life into international football.
This was a day to remember for England because they showed that they have learned lessons from last summer, they showed a resilience and mental strength which maybe they lacked on that horrible July night in Moscow. And it was Harry Kane, with his first goal for England in 747 minutes, who yet again delivered on the big occasion. Kane must be world class because few players can come up with such vital goals, even when they have not been at their best. Kane’s 85th-minute winner was testament to the job that Southgate is doing for England as he is harnessing young players, building a team spirit and togetherness which seemingly guides them through the toughest challenges.
What England lack technically compared with other leading nations, they make up for with determination and desire. There are no egos or big stars, just a strong group who believe in their manager.
In previous years, they would have crumbled after going behind – especially after wasting so many chances – but this group just keeps going until the end.
Croatia, having beaten Spain