LONDON - Gareth Southgate is aiming to overcome historic tournament failures that have dented England's chances, and Sunday's 1-0 win over Croatia at Wembley Stadium is another notable step on that path.
The 50-year-old, steeped in the history of the Three Lions, has stood prominently in the lineage of the biennial gloom since 1966. As a player, he missed a decisive penalty in England's Euro '96 defeat against Germany, before he could replace his position at the national level. Chetna as the manager of a progressive team for the last five years.
Three years ago in Russia, England finally won a knockout game in a major tournament for the first time since 2006 - and only for the seventh time - beating Colombia on a spot-kick to put an end to their fear of a penalty shootout. The shirt was gradually taken off by Southgate almost medically eliminating the time-honored preconceptions.
And here, against a team that ended its hopes at the semi-final stage of the 2018 World Cup, England scored their first victory in the opening match of the European Championship at the tenth attempt (five drawn, four lost).
This could be instrumental in setting the tone for what is to come. It definitely takes the pressure off in Group D. England's race in the last four in Russia had its roots in a stoppage-time winner against Tunisia on match day, which eased them into the tournament and provided them with a platform from which to grow in confidence and confidence.
The expanded format of Euro 2020 - even with the third-placed teams - means that one win is enough to qualify for the Round of 16 and so England can approach the upcoming matches against Scotland and the Czech Republic with more rest. Can do. .
"Preparing for the next game takes some of the tension away," Southgate said after the game. "But we still have to score points to qualify. It's good to have a really pleasant afternoon to our fans and our country. The players tackled the big opportunity really well."
And he did so on Southgate's terms. There were several major selection decisions, chief among them being Raheem Sterling, while Manchester City and Leeds' kalvin Phillips anchored midfield in the biggest match of his nine-cap international career. .
So the sight of a combination of Phillips and Sterling for a single goal would be sweeter for Southgate, who was facing charges of an overly cautious line-up given the array of attacking talent at his disposal.
Although this approach was informed by the knowledge of England's habitual struggles in the opening match of a tournament, noting even about any mark from 2018, Luka Modric is still in the middle of his own brand of midfield glory. With is able to set the game at the highest level.
Phillips slipped a clever pass for Sterling to fire Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic 12 minutes into the second half, but the midfielder excelled, helping Modric whenever he escaped from Mason Mount, Joe appeared detailed to keep an eye on the 35-year-old. Old when Zlatko was occupied by Dalic's side.
It was only Sterling's third goal in 20 matches for Manchester City and England before 20 February. He was lucky to start last month's Champions League final defeat to Chelsea, who had been out of form for a while, but Southgate picked his players. Based on their performances in international matches in March when Sterling featured in all three games as they beat San Marino, Albania and Poland by a combined score of 9–1.
Croatia is, of course, an entirely difficult proposition. They are ranked 14th in the world by FIFA and, in another sign of a troubled past, is against Southgate, the highest ranked in a major tournament (excluding the Nations League) since England's 1–0 win over Argentina. Did not beat the located team. 2002.
And after a frantic early period in which Phil Foden hit the post and Phillips was beaten by Livakovic, he slowed the game to his preferred pace - especially given the sweltering heat in London - and gave England a high Squeezed line along the defensive that briefly canceled Southgate's side.
Sterling, who was awarded an MBE on Queen Elizabeth's birthday honors list earlier this week, was the only player to have consistently threatened to back down and it was from where the goal ultimately came. Growing up in the London borough of Brent with the sight of Wembley Arch, it is perhaps no surprise that he revels in this environment: six goals in his last five appearances at this stadium, 13 of his last 17 for England Round.
The race to include Jack Grealish - possibly at Sterling's expense - was starting among England fans as the opening goal came in the 57th minute, the balancing act underscoring Southgate and the amount any manager always has to face. .
"I think one of the things about playing football and being in major tournaments for a long period of time is knowing when to stop the noise," Sterling said in response whether he had seen Grealish, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Per justified its inclusion. Jadon Sancho. "I just tried to stay focused and come into this tournament with a clear mind. I know what I can bring to the team, and it's as simple as that."
There were crucial moments for England, not least when substitute Mario Pasalic fired deep into stoppage-time. Captain Harry Kane looked subdued, while full-backs Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier - the latter operating in an unfamiliar position on the left - were not particularly effective. England knelt down before kickoff and there was enthusiasm again, though this time overwhelmed with cheers and applause. Jude Bellingham became the youngest player ever to play at Euros with an eight-minute cameo; Southgate relies on a 17-year-old to help watch such a big game see how far his commitment to youth extends.
England deserved their win and Southgate can now plot big exploits. "It's coming home," fans sang as players started on the lap of honor and Southgate gave a double-armed salute to supporters. That final victory is a while away, but in the end, at one Euro, England start on the right track.