Euro 2020: England beat Czech Republic to seal top spot in Group D

Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho both came off the bench as England earned a 1-0 win over Czech Republic to secure top spot in Group D. 

England made a bright start to the game and took the lead through Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling in just the 12th minute. The 26 year old got on the end of Jack Grealish’s cross to score his second goal of Euro 2020.

Borussia Dortmund duo Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho came off the bench in the second half, with the latter making his first appearance of the tournament. Both Bellingham and Sancho delivered some promising moments late on and nearly helped set up a goal for Jordan Henderson.

It wasn’t the greatest of performances from England, but they got the job done quite comfortably in the end. Ending the group stage with three clean sheets will no doubt please England head coach Gareth Southgate, who has come under fire for his defensive tactics and team selection in recent days.

England’s win sets up a blockbuster round of 16 clash against France, Germany or Portugal. The three teams are due to play their final group games tomorrow, and the runner-up in Group F will face England at the Wembley Stadium in the round of 16 next Tuesday.

Croatia and Czech Republic are also through to the round of 16. The 2018 World Cup finalists will face the Group E runners up in the next round. Czech Republic will also have to wait for tomorrow’s results to discover their round of 16 opponents.