Euro 2020

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      England 1 Croatia 0 LIVE REACTION: Sterling the Three Lions hero as Southgate’s side end Euros opening game hoodoo

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      RAHEEM STERLING netted his first ever goal at a major tournament as England beat Croatia at Wembley.Gareth Southgate’s men went close early through Phil Foden, but it was his Man City teammate Sterling who stole the show with a well taken winner in the second half.

      Final score: England 1-0 Croatia
      Goalscorers: Sterling 57′ – WATCH HERE

      Follow ALL the reaction with our live blog below…

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      TRIPPER SELECTION JUSTIFIED
      Many thought Southgate had got it wrong by selecting Tripper at left-back ahead of the actual left-backs Ben Chilwell and Luke Shaw.
      But the Atletico Madrid man had a decent game.
      Speaking about Tripper, Southgate said: “We felt that his talking across the backline and his ability to get out and stop crosses quickly and his experience on a day like today – alongside Tyrone Mings, who is relatively early in his international career – would be a good stabilising element.
      “He is a very underrated player. People are still looking at the player from a few years ago and not at the one who is at Atletico Madrid and playing like a warrior in the last few seasons.
      “He is a big part of what we’ve done over the last few years and he gave a really good performance.”
      MORE FROM MATCHWINNER STERLING
      “It’s a great feeling for me playing at Wembley, not far from where I grew up as a young boy and seeing the stadium being built.
      “I thought the team played brilliantly at times. We dug in.”
      ENGLAND CAPTAIN HARRY KANE

      England boss Gareth Southgate speaks!”It’s lovely to have given our fans and our country a really enjoyable afternoon. The players dealt with the big occasion really well. Right from the start, incredible heat, they played well and settled early in the game.
      “There were moments where the tempo dropped because of the heat but the majority of the game we were in control and didn’t give Croatia many opportunities and we looked dangerous.
      “Kalvin Phillips is a player who is so understated. He has had a fantastic start to his international career. I thought he was immense throughout the game – as they all were – and I’m so pleased for Raheem.
      “He was dangerous all game His goalscoring record suggests we should have faith in him and I think he was motivated t show that.
      “We are going to need all those attacking players through the tournament. We can make changes and we will need to.
      “The key was to get pressure on Croatia’s midfield players and we managed to do that. That limited some of the supply and the defenders dealt with the longer balls well and read the game well.
      “It was a day when everybody who got onto the pitch performed well and that was set up by the whole group.”
      RAZ THAT
      Sterling scored the only goal of the game and depend his Euros account!

      PHILLIPS HIGHLIGHTS STRONG MIDFIELD
      Man of the match Phillips highlighted England’s midfield in his post-match press conference.
      He said: “I love playing with Declan [Rice] and having a bit of licence to get forward.
      “I know that he’s behind me, backing me up if I lose the ball.
      “There was a lot of talk about us fighting for one position but I think we play really well together.”
      Rice sitting in front of the back four gave Phillips and Mount the license to roam.
      And it worked a treat; Modric didn’t have an impact!
      MOUNT MAP
      Mount played on the left side of the midfield and he was class. Alongside Phillips, his relentless pressing was key.

      MINGS SPEAKS
      Mings was called in to replace Maguire who isn’t fully fit and he played an absolute blinder.
      Speaking to the BBC, he said: “It’s a dream come true to play in a major tournament for England, and I loved every second of it.
      “It’s probably the hottest game I’ve played in, but the team showed a lot of grit, determination and quality, and we’re over the moon with the start.
      “They’re a top team and it was good for us to repel their threat. Equally we always have the quality to trouble teams.
      “I can’t even remember the goal if I’m honest!
      “I know Kalvin [Phillips] put in a lot of good work and Raz [Raheem Sterling] has got the quality and composure in front of goal, as he’s showed many times.”
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      FULL-TIME STATS
      England dominated from minute one!

      MAN OF THE MATCH
      Man of the match goes to Kalvin Phillips hands down! He was absolutely phenomenal in a slightly advanced role.
      Keep the midfield the same for Scotland, Southgate!

      STERLING SPEAKS
      Goal-scorer Sterling spoke to the BBC after his goal won England the game.
      He said: “I always said that if I ever play at Wembley in a major tournament, I’m going to score.
      “It’s my back garden, I had to score.
      “There’s a lot of different reasons why I haven’t scored for my club, and that’s totally irrelevant now.
      “I’m here with England, I’m enjoying my football and I’m just delighted to score. It was a lovely weighted pass from Kalvin [Phillips].
      SCENES
      England fans enjoyed Sterling’s goal!

      FT: ENGLAND 1-0 CROATIA
      Brilliant second half performance from England and it was Wembley local Sterling who got the goal.
      Phillips made a darting run forward, showed some good skill to cut inside and teed up Sterling.
      And the Man City man made no mistake with the finish.
      Kane had the chance to put England two goals clear, but he failed to convert at the far post.
      As for Croatia, they were relatively quiet and it was England’s game from minute one.
      Off to a winning start at the Euros, England’s first in ten attempts!
      HAVE YOUR SAY

      PEEEEEEEEEEEP!
      THE FULL-TIME WHISTLE GOES AT WEMBLEY!
      ENGLAND GET OFF TO A WINNING START!
      ENGLAND 1-0 CROATIA
      90+4. A long throw falls to Pasalic at the back post, but the former Chelsea fan slices his shot over the bar.
      Game over!
      ENGLAND 1-0 CROATIA
      90+2. A long ball is played into England’s penalty area and Perisic heads the ball across the face of goal.
      Petkovic tries to get on the end of the flick on but Pickford pounces on the ball.
      ENGLAND 1-0 CROATIA
      90+1. SUBSTITUTION!
      England are making their last change of the game, and Calvert-Lewin is on for Sterling.
      ENGLAND 1-0 CROATIA
      90. The fourth official holds his board up and there will be four additional minutes played.
      ENGLAND 1-0 CROATIA
      88. Croatia need to throw everything at England now.
      ENGLAND 1-0 CROATIA
      86. In the crucial final minutes of the game, and England need to get their game management spot on.
      Sterling does just that as he holds off the challenge of Brekalo close to the byline to see the ball behind for an England goal-kick.
      Sterling slices a shot over the crossbarCredit: AFP
      ENGLAND 1-0 CROATIA
      84. SUBSTITUTION!
      Pasalic is coming on for Croatia for the fine five minutes or so, and he is replacing Kovacic.
      ENGLAND 1-0 CROATIA
      82. Bellingham nips the ball away from Modric and lays it into the path of Sterling.
      The goal-scorer plays a quick ball in behind for Rashford to run onto, but Livakovic gathers.
      ENGLAND 1-0 CROATIA
      81. SUBSTITUTION!
      Kane is taken off for a rest and 17-year-old Jude Bellingham is on at the Euros!
      ENGLAND 1-0 CROATIA
      80. Modric is looking a frustrated figure, no matter where he finds himself on the pitch he is tracked by one of England’s midfield three.
      In this case, Mount doesn’t let him out of his sight.
      Load more entries… More

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      Euro 2020:England fans go wild in packed pubs as England beat Croatia 1-0 at Wembley with Raheem Sterling winner

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      JUBILANT fans today went wild at packed pubs across the country after England won their first-ever Euro opener.Beer rained down on excited supporters as they chucked pints in the air in celebration of today’s landmark 1-0 win against Croatia.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      England fans celebrate our first-ever Euro openerCredit: PA
      Supporters dared to dream it COULD come home after the 1-0 winCredit: LNP
      Bars packed with supporters erupted as England wonCredit: PA
      Londoners fill the streets as the curse was liftedCredit: w8media
      A fan gets a lift from his mates after England snatched a winCredit: Reuters
      Fans in London celebrate as England top the tableCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      There was a sea of red and white in the capitalCredit: LNP
      Sterling scored the game’s only goalCredit: Reuters
      Gareth Southgate celebrates as England’s opening game curse is liftedCredit: EPA
      Sterling is mobbed by his teammatesCredit: PA
      After a nail-biting first half that saw Phil Foden hit the post, cheers rang out across the country as Raheem Sterling scored a 57-minute screamer.
      Grown men leapt into each other’s arms as England’s Euro campaign successfully got underway.
      Fans had been hoping England would get their revenge after Croatia’s 109-minute goal in extra time of the semi-finals sent England packing at the 2018 World Cup.
      They are now edging closer to their prayers being answered and the team ending 55 years of hurt to bring football home for the first time since 1966.
      Supporters inside Wembley erupted in cheers as they watched the Three Lions win their first-ever opening game in the tournament.
      They had earlier drowned out a small minority who booed at players taking the knee.
      England fans earlier celebrated as Raheem Sterling puts us in frontCredit: PA
      Cheers rang out across the country after we went 1-0 upCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The winger found the back of the net after 57 minutesCredit: LNP
      Custom House Quay in Weymouth erupts in celebrationCredit: ©Graham Hunt
      Fans go wild in Box Park in London as England take the leadCredit: The Sun
      A fan cheers with his mates after Sterling scoredCredit: The Sun
      Fans leap in the air in BlackpoolCredit: Dave Nelson
      Two fans embrace after England scoreCredit: ©Graham Hunt
      A supporter in Manchester swings his shirt around his head after the first goalCredit: PA
      A fan shows off his waxed chest as he celebrates in Vinegar YardCredit: PA
      Fans celebrate in Croydon after Sterling’s goalCredit: PA
      Newcastle goes wild as England take the leadCredit: NNP
      Kalvin Phillips fights for the ball as he’s praised by England fansCredit: PA
      Sterling slots the ball past Croatia’s keeperCredit: The Sun
      Phil Foden hits the post in a tense first halfCredit: Rex
      Mason Mount takes a free kick at Wembley todayCredit: Reuters
      The atmosphere was electric across the country today as excited fans draped in flags gathered together for the Three Lions’ first group game.
      Supporters could earlier be heard under Wembley’s famous arch giving a roaring ‘Cheers’ to the Three Lions.
      Choruses of ‘It’s Coming Home’ that were nervously whispered this morning became rousing renditions that echoed through the air as excitement reached fever-pitch.
      Delighted fans told to come together as one and help make the beautiful game beautiful again stuck to their brief as they filled bars and pubs.
      Today’s win also silenced critics who questioned today’s line-up – with both Ben Chilwell and Jadon Sancho left out of the squad entirely.
      And Jack Grealish was left on the bench despite the Villa winger earning a spot in the starting 11 thanks to a successful season.
      Newcastle goes wild as England take the leadCredit: NNP
      Supporters raised a drink inside Wembley as the whistle blewCredit: AFP
      Fans cheer on England in Box Park in Wembley as they kick offCredit: EPA
      A man holds his head in his hands as Phil Foden hits the postCredit: PA
      Fans react to the City star rattling the woodwork in the opening few minutes in NottinghamCredit: SWNS
      The tension was palpable in Birmingham todayCredit: PA
      A fan in Manchester shows off his red and white war paintCredit: PA
      Jesse Lingard was among those watching the action on TVCredit: Instagram @jesselingard
      Fans watch on the big screen at London’s Vinegar YardCredit: PA
      Supports in Manchester clap after the national anthemCredit: Getty
      Fans in Vinegar Yard cheer as the game kicks offCredit: PA
      Manchester fans raise their arms as the whistle blowsCredit: PA
      EastEnders’ Shaun Williamson leads a chorus of the national anthem in Box ParkCredit: PA
      An England fan gets into the spirit in WappingCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Supporters hold up their shoes at Box Park as the football gets underwayCredit: The Sun
      London’s Skylight Bar is packed with fansCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      A topless fan dances in Wembley cheered on by his matesCredit: Getty
      Supporters are on the beers today as the sun shines down on the Three LionsCredit: Getty
      England last hosted a major tournament 25 years ago for Euro 1996 – one Gareth Southgate will definitely want to forget after missing a crucial penalty in the semi-finals.
      But his young team being led out under Wembley’s arch combined with a 30C heatwave has put a smile on the nation’s faces after a devastating 15 months.
      A year-long delay to the tournament due to Covid also means excitement simmering under the surface has now exploded across the country.
      Fans have been urged to rally behind the troops, give Covid the middle finger and finally allow hope to cut through the bleakness of the pandemic.
      The atmosphere is palpable in WembleyCredit: Getty
      Box Park in Wembley is packed with England supportersCredit: LNP
      It’s Coming Home is already on the lips of England supportersCredit: LNP
      Trafford Park in Manchester is filled with fansCredit: PA
      Fans join the action at Trafford ParkCredit: PA
      Fans sing and dance as the atmosphere swells at WembleyCredit: Getty
      Lads with beers show their support for the first group gameCredit: Getty
      The virus has dampened the tournament – with just 22,500 fans allowed in for the match today – but it’s hoped they can roar loudly enough for the missing supporters.
      Those attending also need to show proof of vaccination or a negative test before entry.
      An official fan zone has been set up in London’s Trafalgar Square for 750 key workers to watch the match on a big screen.
      Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said the excitement of the Euros was needed after “the darkness and trauma” of the pandemic.
      Speaking at the official fan zone, he added: “We’ve invited our amazing key workers to thank them for all they’ve done for our city.
      “They’ve gone above and beyond over the last 18 months … this is our way to thank them.
      “You can tell how excited I am I’m one of the first people here … bring it home. It’ll be nice to see people face to face, facial expressions, body language.
      “The best thing about football is that it brings people together.”

      Addressing the England team directly, he said: “To Gareth (Southgate) and the entire England squad, London is behind you. Bring it home.”
      Other fans have been invited to Box Park in Croydon and Wembley to watch Our Boys throughout the tournament.
      They were already queuing to get into Box Park, which is also showing the Group D clash on the big screen, early this morning.

      Around 15million people will tune in for the match on the BBC today – the highest TV audience for sport since 2018.
      VoucherCodes.co.uk and the Centre for Retail Research reckon £300million will be spent in pubs and restaurants.
      Fans will also down a whopping 50million pints and eat their way through 30million burgers and 20million sausages.
      Confident fans are already chanting It’s Coming HomeCredit: Getty
      Celebrations are underway in Box Park in WembleyCredit: LNP
      A group of mates in Vinegar Yard in London Bridge todayCredit: PA
      Girls pose with a Gareth Southgate cutout in HastingsCredit: PA
      Beer falls from the sky as England fans spray booze over WembleyCredit: Getty
      The excitement has exploded as the tournament gets underway for EnglandCredit: Getty
      One lad has shaved the England fan into his chest hairCredit: PA
      Fans could be seen queuing to get into the outdoor barCredit: PA
      A fan quenches his thirst in the scorching heatCredit: Rex
      Fans at the Skylight Bar in Wapping todayCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The heatwave and excitement from the football has brought England togetherCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Smoke fills the air as lucky fans make their way into the stadiumCredit: Alamy
      England fans cheers to the Three LionsCredit: Reuters
      It was a calmer affair in Trafalgar Square, which is an official fan zoneCredit: i-Images
      Key workers have been invited to watch the game on the big screen at Trafalgar SquareCredit: i-Images
      Boozy Brits take to the streets amid sweltering heatwave before England kick off against Croatia More

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      Mbappe refuses to end Giroud feud as he hits out at France team-mate over public criticism days before Euro 2020 opener

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE’S feud with Olivier Giroud is threatening to bubble over days before France’s Euro 2020 opener against Germany.The Paris Saint-Germain superstar admitted he ‘was affected’ by the striker’s words in the aftermath of the Bulgaria win last week.
      Kylian Mbappe has admitted that he was affected by the row with Olivier GiroudCredit: Getty
      Rumours of a rift in the French camp were initially sparked after Chelsea ace Giroud appeared to hit out at his teammates for not picking out his runs during the 3-0 friendly victory.
      Giroud, 34, scored twice in the final 10 minutes of the contest but remained critical of his side’s ability to create chances.
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      Mbappe was reported to be furious with the comments and RMC claimed the 22-year-old was denied the chance to hold his own press conference to share his side of the story.
      But the World Cup winner has now gone public on the spat ahead of France’s first Euro 2020 game against Germany on Tuesday.
      Mbappe said: “I spoke with Olivier Giroud. Everyone knows what happened. It is true that I was a little affected by it.
      It is more that he said it publicly than the fact that he said it. I saw him in the dressing room and he didn’t say anything to meKylian Mbappe
      “But we are not going to make a big deal about it because we are here to represent France, that is the most important thing.
      “It is more that he said it publicly than the fact that he said it.
      “I saw him in the dressing room and he didn’t say anything to me.”
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      SunSport previously reported that when Giroud went to apologise for his comments on the training field Mbappe gave him the cold shoulder.
      After the 3-0 victory over Bulgaria, ex-Arsenal ace Giroud told L’Equipe du Soir: “I was a little quiet because, sometimes, I make runs and the balls aren’t forthcoming.
      “I am not saying that I always make the best runs, but I am seeking to offer solutions in the box.”

      England beat Croatia to win their Euro 2020 opener after Raheem Sterling scores winning goal More

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      Jude Bellingham makes Euros history by becoming youngest player ever after replacing Harry Kane late in Croatia win

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM became the youngest player to appear at the European Championships after coming on during England’s win against Croatia.The Borussia Dortmund star is the first 17-year-old to feature in the competition and breaks Jetro Willems’ nine-year record.
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      England youngster Jude Bellingham, 17, impressed against Croatia at Euro 2020Credit: AP
      Bellingham, aged 17 years and 349 days, replaced England skipper Harry Kane in the 81st minute with the score 1-0 to Gareth Southgate’s side.
      Willems, who spent the 2019-20 campaign on loan at Newcastle United, was aged 18 years and 71 days when he started Holland’s Euro 2012 opener against Denmark.
      England’s young midfielder impressed during his brief cameo, breaking up play in the middle of the park as Croatia unsuccessfully looked for an equaliser.
      It’s another milestone in Bellingham’s blossoming career, who’s come a long way since making his professional debut for boyhood club Birmingham City in August 2019.
      He quickly became a key first team player at St Andrew’s, making 41 Championship appearances to capture the attention of several top European teams.
      Reports last summer suggested Manchester United wanted to sign the talented teenager – but it was Dortmund who persuaded him to move to Germany.

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      And Bellingham has continued to impress in the Bundesliga, playing 46 times in all competitions last term to help Dortmund win the German Cup.
      One of the games was against Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-final, putting in a famous performance against Pep Guardiola’s side.
      He also picked up his first senior England cap in November 2020, becoming the country’s third youngest men’s international when he was introduced during a friendly against Ireland.

      Bellingham’s late appearance against Croatia could be the start of a special tournament for the youngster, with SunSport columnist Jose Mourinho claiming he can have a big part to play in England’s European bid.
      He’s also been linked with a move to Premier League side Chelsea in recent months but looks set to extend his Dortmund deal until 2025.
      Bellingham will now be pushing for a start in England’s next group match against Scotland on Friday, June 18.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      England beat Croatia to win their Euro 2020 opener after Raheem Sterling scores winning goal More

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      Euro 2020 fan seriously injured after ‘falling from stand’ during England game at Wembley

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      A FOOTBALL fan has been seriously injured after “falling from the stands” during the England game at Wembley today.Witnesses saw the fan fall just as the Euro 2020 game against Croatia kicked off at 2pm today.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Witnesses saw the fan fall just as the Euro 2020 game against Croatia kicked off at 2pm todayCredit: Getty
      An England fan told the Evening Standard: “We saw his legs go over the barrier and then he fell and hit the ground and didn’t move.
      “It seemed to take staff ages to get to him. One guy near us who saw the whole thing was crying his eyes out.”
      Another fan: “I didn’t see it but spoke to some of the guys who did at half time. They were traumatised. He fell from the balcony towards the seats and the concrete.”
      A Wembley Stadium spokesperson said: “We can confirm that a spectator fell from the stands just after kick off in the match between England and Croatia at Wembley Stadium.
      “The spectator was given on-site medical attention and was then taken to hospital in a serious condition.
      “We will continue to work with UEFA to ensure the matter is fully investigated and we are continuing to monitor the situation.”
      England won the game after a nail-biting first half that saw Phil Foden hit the post, and cheers rang out as Raheem Sterling scored a 57-minute screamer.

      Fans had been hoping England would get their revenge after Croatia’s 109-minute goal in extra time of the semi-finals sent England packing at the 2018 World Cup.
      Supporters inside Wembley erupted in cheers as they watched the Three Lions win their first-ever opening game.
      They had earlier drowned out a small minority who booed at players taking the knee.
      Huge crowds of England fans celebrate as the Three Lions take on Croatia in their Euro 2020 opener More

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      Why isn’t Virgil van Dijk playing for the Netherlands in Euro 2020?

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      VIRGIL VAN DIJK has been arguably the best defender in world football over the past three years. But the Liverpool centre-back has had to sit the majority of this season out with a nasty knee injury he sustained in his side’s 2-2 draw with rivals Everton early in the campaign.
      Virgil van Dijk has missed much of the 2020/21 campaign with an ACL injuryCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Van Dijk’s Holland side will be competing in this summer’s European Championships, but the Dutch stalwart won’t be there.
      Why won’t Van Dijk be playing for Holland at Euro 2020?
      Van Dijk’s anterior cruciate ligament injury occurred when Everton goalkeeper collided with the defender during their Merseyside derby clash last October.
      Ever since then, the £75million man has been out of action and on the injury table.
      And although he’s nearing recovery, Van Dijk has ruled himself out of competing at this summer’s Euros with Holland.

      “I feel physically it is the right decision that I’ve decided not to go to the Euros and to go into my last phase of rehab in the off-season,” said Van Dijk.
      “It’s tough, but I’m at peace with it.
      “I think the decision to not go is the right decision in the grand scheme of things.
      “I am very gutted to miss the Euros, to miss the European Championship and leading out my own country there, but things have been like they have and I have to accept it – we all have to accept it.
      Virgil van Dijk will not play for Holland at thos summer’s EurosCredit: PA
      Van Dijk will be hoping to return for the first game of Liverpool’s 2021/22 Premier League campaign instead.
      “I am aiming for that and it looks like it is going to happen, but obviously you never know in football and you never know in life, but I am feeling very positive and ready to go. We’ll see,” he added. More

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      Sterling shares amazing throwback pic from childhood Wembley days before scoring emotional goal in stadium at Euro 2020

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      RAHEEM STERLING made his mark on North-West London once again by scoring in England’s Euro 2020 opener at Wembley – a stone’s throw from where he grew up.Before the game with Croatia, the 26-year-old shared a throwback image of his childhood as a ‘boy from Brent’.

      The picture showed a young Sterling proudly holding a trophy with a medal around his neck, and was captioned: “Never forget where it started.”
      Born in Jamaica, his family moved to England during his childhood and settled in Neasden’s St Raphael’s estate.
      Looming over the area since its reconstruction in the mid-2000s is Wembley Stadium.
      And the young forward made his first steps in the game in its shadow, starring in the five-a-side tournaments of his school, Copland Community.
      Queens Park Rangers signed Sterling up to their academy and he would catch the bus to matches, where scouts of the Premier League giants watched with interest.
      A £1million move to Liverpool was sealed before his 15th birthday and his career went from strength to strength.

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      The Reds handed him a debut at 17 and a first goal arrived three months later.
      Twice named Liverpool’s Young Player of the Season, Manchester City paid £44m for a successful switch in 2015.
      Meanwhile, his off the pitch work in combating racism has helped educate millions and earned him an MBE award on the eve of Euro 2020.
      Already an England regular, Sterling has won three Premier League titles and yet had struggled for form in the final months of the 2020-21 season.
      Raheem Sterling wildly celebrated scoring England’s Euro 2020 openerCredit: Getty
      The goal came only a stone’s throw away from his home neighbourhoodCredit: EPA
      Gareth Southgate handed him a start at Wembley for Sunday’s game with Croatia, perhaps aware he had contributed 12 goals and six assists in his previous 16 England games.
      And Sterling duly delivered, finishing off a perfect pass from Kalvin Phillips in the second-half to deftly beat Dominik Livakovic.
      The forward’s pure emotion was clear as he celebrated and England went on to win 1-0, their 11th victory in the last 11 games he has scored in.
      He told BBC Sport post-game: “I always said if I played at Wembley at a major tournament I had to score and it’s great to finally do that.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      The victory meant Sterling’s incredible form on home turf continues with 21 wins and two draws for England at Wembley – the best unbeaten run for any Three Lions player.
      He added: “It’s great to get off to a win and now we have other games to look forward to.
      “It’s been a long season for me but I couldn’t wait to get here and get started with England. With England, I knew it would be a positive one.”
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      England’s Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson discuss announcement they’ll receive MBEs in the Queen’s birthday honours More

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      Does third place qualify for Euro 2020 last 16?

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      TWENTY-FOUR teams are competing against each other in the hope of becoming European champions.And as Portugal proved in 2016, you CAN finish third in your group and go on to take home the trophy.
      Wales could finish third and qualifyCredit: AP

      The top two teams from each group will go on to compete in the knockout stages of the competition.
      The 12 teams that go through do not make up the numbers to meet the requirements of the Round of 16, so who does?
      Does third place qualify for Euro 2020 knockout stages?
      Yes, finishing third does lead to qualification for the knockout stages but only for four of the best third-placed teams.
      All of the teams that finish third in the group stages of the Euros are put into a table.
      And their position in the table is determined firstly by how many points they picked up in the group stages.
      But if the teams cannot be separated by points, whichever team has the highest goal difference finishes higher up the table.
      If the table cannot be decided through points or goal difference, it then goes to the number of goals scored in the group stages.

      An unlikely hero in Eder popped up in the 109th minute to score the winning goal in the Euro 2016 finalCredit: GETTY IMAGES
      Eder’s goal stunned favourites FranceCredit: GETTY IMAGES
      And if the first three fail to separate the teams, it then goes to fair play conduct, followed by the team’s Uefa ranking.
      The procedures are as followed:

      Higher number of points obtained;
      Superior goal difference;
      Higher number of goals scored
      Fair play conduct;
      Position in the Uefa national team coefficient ranking system.

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      Portugal qualified for the knockout stages of Euro 2016 via the third-placed route after drawing all three of their group games against Hungary, Iceland and Albania.
      The Navegadores scraped their way through to the final of the competition, only winning one game inside 90 minutes against Wales in the semi-finals.
      And when they met home nation France in the final, an unlikely hero in Eder popped up in extra time to score the only goal of the game causing a massive upset.
      Portugal announce incredible Euro 2020 squad More