England 1. Croatia 0.
The Three Lions came out roaring. Gareth Southgate got the pre-match headlines but the XI got the job done. After 10 attempts, England win their first opening game at a European Champonship. Everyone showed up. Kalvin Phillips monsterclass. That Bielsa murderball training creates killers. We’re calling Pirlo the ‘Fettuccine Phillips’ after that clinic. Mason Mount dishing dimes like a banker. Phil Foden coming with the AFCON waves and the Copa America tek. Back-line assured. Pickford steady. And then steps through the real headliner. Raheem Shaquille Sterling MBE. Lots of talk on whether he deserved to start, but it’s all silent now. Recently crowned MBE but he’s gunning for a knighthood come July 11. Fighting for equality and then he goes and puts the whites on top? 19 goal involvements in his last 17 games for the Lions. International stepper. Sterling taking over the Euros like it’s Brexit rewritten. The ‘It’s Coming Home’ quest has just passed it’s first hurdle. Talk soon.
