Video: Goal Analysis: Raheem Sterling – England 1-0 Croatia 13/6/2021

In a replay of the 2018 World Cup semi-final, England faced Croatia at Wembley. This time, they came away victorious thanks to a goal by Raheem Sterling.

Prior to the match, England’s line-up hinted at a 4-2-3-1 formation, but Gareth Southgate instead opted for a 4-3-3.

Much like the 2018 side, runs from midfield were crucial, with Kalvin Phillips playing in a box-to-box role rather than holding his position in front of the defence as he does for Leeds United.

“We know that we are asking him to play in a slightly advanced position than that he plays at his club,” said Southgate. “But he knows he has the technique to do that. He gives us a bit more solidity in midfield and allows us to effectively play four attacking players with Mason [Mount] in midfield as well.”

Phillips was up to the challenge, putting in an excellent performance that earned him many plaudits.

“Kalvin Phillips is a player who is so understated,” said Southgate. “He has had a fantastic start to his international career. I thought he was immense throughout the game – as they all were. Working with Marcelo Bielsa and having the season he has gave him confidence, but all the attributes were there. High performance, low maintenance – we like that a lot.”

“I thought Kalvin Phillips was man of the match for England today,” said Alan Shearer. “He had a superb game from start to finish. He had an energy, a maturity, he had everything you want from a midfielder. He was up, he was down, the pass for the goal was superb, he was protecting that back four at times. Fantastic.”

“We see him week in, week out playing in a deep area,” said Frank Lampard. “His game has really improved and he controls the game from the deep area. Now Gareth has asked the question of him today – can you play higher? Can you give us that energy? Can you give us that bit of brain that he brought into the team? I thought he did it brilliantly well. I’d say the balance of the midfield was spot on today.”

In this video we look at what allowed Phillips to set up Sterling’s goal.

You can watch the video here.