EURO 2020 Group Stage! (2021)

England 1–0 Croatia

England start EURO 2020 with a 1–0 win over Croatia. They were the deserved winners, as they were much more threatening in front of goal, and more compact in front of their own. In midfield, Mason Mount and Kalvin Phillips pulled the strings by creating opportunities, and also dropping back to defend when needed. England's goal came in the 57th minute, when Phillips picked out Sterling with a through ball in front of goal. Sterling may be off form in Manchester, but he still had the confidence to rifle the ball into the back of the net. 

However, there are some concerns. England looked fragile on the left side, and Croatia were able to put in dangerous crosses into the box from there. The Three Lions also had a whole host of other opportunities to score, but didn’t take them. Sterling could have had a second when a rebounded shot fell to him, but he blazed it over the bar. As England faces tougher opponents, those chances NEED to be converted. Still, it's 3 points in the end.

Croatia’s evening could be described as disappointing and sluggish. The Vatreni were outclassed in almost every department. Luka Modric couldn't change the game like he’s done so many times before, because England managed to shut down every dangerous play. I guess it doesn’t help that England were at home and had their fans to cheer them on. 

While Croatia has many of the same players that played in World Cup 2018, they’re getting older now. Modric, Ivan Perisic, and Dojamov Vida, their star players, are all well into their 30s. Take England, whose star players– Harry Kane, 27, Raheem Sterling, 26, and Phil Foden, 21– are in their prime. Croatia were struggling so much in midfield that I noticed they dropped Modric as far back as the defense, just so that he could do something, anything of any note on the pitch, without being swarmed by England. This game is a wake-up call, and a very worrying sight for Croatia. 

England start their title charge with a pretty comfortable dispatching of Croatia. It could have been 2–0 or 3–0, but it ultimately won't matter, as they defeated their bitter rivals. Croatia need to forget about this game, and focus on the next one. 

France 1–0 Germany

The world champions kick off their tournament with a hard-fought win over Germany. Les Bleus seemed eager to attack Germany’s goal, but they were still secure in midfield with N’Golo Kante running after every loose ball. Anything that Kante touches at this point becomes a wonderfully timed tackle. His presence allowed for Pogba and others to work their magic. 

France's winning goal came in the 19th minute, when Lucas Hernandez’s fizzed-in cross was met by none other than Germany defender Mats Hummels. The unfortunate soul couldn’t sort his feet out, and blasted the ball into his own net. France almost had a second, when Karim Benzema tapped in Kylian Mbappes pass from close range. However, Mbappe was judged to have been offside. This almost came back to bite them when they handed Germany a few good opportunities to score, which they didn’t take. Dider Dechamps won’t be too mad, as they snatch three massive points against a top side.

Germany played well; they just couldn’t find the breakthrough goal. Joachim Löw’s team dominated possession with an overwhelming 62%, but couldn't make anything of it. Toni Kross didn’t have much impact in this game. Frankly, I didn’t even notice him playing. The Germans wasted many great chances, like Serge Gnabrys half volley that went just over the bar. I think Low had the right idea in subbing in Werner, because his runs create space in opposition defense. However, he subbed him in late on, and he didn’t get to make his mark on the game. 

Something that IS of real concern is their defense. A loose ball went to Hummels’ side of the defense, and he ran after it. However, Mbappe got to the ball first, even though Hummels was nearest to the ball first. It took a last ditch tackle from Hummels to stop the French superstar from scoring. Any successful team needs to have two reliable center backs, and I’m sorry to say it, but Antonio Rudiger and Hummels aren’t them. Germany needs to keep their heads high, when they next face Portugal.

France win the first blockbuster match in the group of death, Group F. Germany had their chances, but they ultimately couldn't capitalize on them and they will have to take the defeat. All eyes will be on Germany to see how they rebound from this. 

Wales 1–1 Switzerland

Wales will take the point, considering how many times they could have conceded. Wales were far too open at the back, and couldn’t close down Switzerland fast enough. It really didn’t seem like there was any communication at the back. Joe Rodon was the man to blame in my opinion. In the 45th minute, he should have been marking Haris Seferovic, but he didn’t, allowing for Sefeerovic to have a shot at goal, which he missed. 

These mishaps meant that Danny Ward was called into action multiple times. He made some good saves, like his block against Breel Embolo who was through on goal. Unfortunately for him, he couldn't stop the Swiss from scoring first, but to be honest, the Wales defense should have challenged the ball a lot better than they did following up to the goal. Wales’s goal was an equalizer, when Keiffer Moore headed home a cross from Joseff Morrell following a short corner. Wales will be relieved to have taken something from this game, but they know that results like these won’t be good enough later on.

Switzerland won’t be happy that they let this result slip by them. La Nati played with lots of purpose, and each attack seemed deadly. The Swiss midfield was able to have lots of possession in Wales’s half, which allowed them to get into some great spaces. The person who really stood out to me was the goalscorer, Embolo. The 24-year-old was a menace for the Wales backline, using his speed and strength to make chances for his team. He almost assisted a goal, when he used his strength to fend off Chris Mepham, and passed the ball to Seferovic who skied the ball over the bar. 

Switzerland opened the scoring when, from a corner, Embolo stood tall and headed the ball down and into the net. For all of the chances and even though they dominated the game, the match is never over when you’re only winning by one. Switzerland weren’t able to hold onto the slim advantage, paying the price for all of their wasted opportunities. 

Wales and Switzerland will have to settle for a draw, sharing the points. It will feel like a victory for Wales, who was pushed back for much of this game, while Switzerland had a whole host of missed chances. Vladamir Petkovic will not be happy with his team.