Sterling, Saka star for England in 1-0 win over the Czech Republic

England are safely through to the round of 16 and have finished at the top of Group D after their 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic at Wembley. Raheem Sterling’s goal in the 12th minute separated the two sides in a much-improved performance from the Three Lions after the demoralizing draw against Scotland.

Buoyed by their home support, England started on the front foot and had plenty of space to exploit behind the Czech defence. For the third game in a row, England hit the woodwork in the opening exchanges with Raheem Sterling peeling off his marker and lobbing the goalkeeper only for his shot to hit the post.

Southgate introduced Jack Grealish and Bukayo Saka in his starting line-up for the final group game and it was those two that made the difference for the first goal. Saka started the move off after driving at the Czech backline with pace and purpose, while Jack Grealish played the perfect cross for Raheem Sterling to head home England’s opener for the second time in the tournament.

Saka continued to thrive down England’s right-hand side, providing some directness and dynamism to their attack which has been missing in the opening two encounters against Croatia and Scotland. The Arsenal youngster finished the game with five take-ons, the most by an English teenager in any major tournament and was deservedly chosen as the man of the match. 

Along with Saka, one of the major positives for Gareth Southgate and England was the return of Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson to the line-up after their injury troubles. Maguire hasn’t featured for club or country since his ankle injury against Aston Villa in May and looked extremely comfortable alongside John Stones at the heart of the defence. England looked more secure at the back and from set-pieces with Maguire in defence and his excellent ball-carrying and distribution was on display during the first hour, with the Manchester United defender playing a superb incisive pass for Harry Kane in the 26th minute.

England managed the game professionally in the second half, shutting up shop while providing the likes of Henderson some important game-time ahead of the knockout stages. The Czech’s rarely threatened Jordan Pickford in goal, and England finished the game 1-0 to collect their third clean-sheet in a row in the tournament.

With this victory, England will benefit from home advantage at Wembley in the Round of 16 but have a stern test waiting for them as they face the runners up from Group F – Germany, France or Portugal.