Topics: UEFA Euro 2020, England, Croatia, Raheem Sterling, Jude Bellingham
The Three Lions put in a good shift to secure a win in their first game of the campaign.

England entered the history books on Sunday by defeating Croatia in their opening Group D fixture of the Euro 2020. The Three Lions run away with the all-important three points to occupy the top spot in what was their first-ever win in the opening game of the tournament.

England had never won the opening game of the European Championship and were hopeful of breaking that jinx despite coming up against the runners up of the previous World Cup. There were a number of key omissions in their starting line-up, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish, Jordan Henderson and Luke Shaw failing to nail down a spot. Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho and Chelsea's Ben Chilwell did not make the matchday squad but that did not deter their side from putting in a good shift. 

With the first 45 minutes ending in stalemates, Gareth Southgate's side was eventually rewarded just 12 minutes after play resumed in the second half. It was none other than Raheem Sterling and Kalvin Philips who combined to score the vital goal for the Three Lions. Prior to kick-off, the pair came under immense scrutiny for their inclusion in the starting line-up but punched above their weight deliver solid individual performances to the crown the afternoon.

With Scotland and Czech Republic set to play tomorrow, England momentarily occupies the top spot. The 2018 World Cup semi-finalists will take on the former in the next clash and will be guareeted a spot in the knockout phase with a win. Below are a few milestones landed as a result of Sunday afternoon's encounter as per Opta stats: