Euro 2020 matchday 12: England take top spot but Scotland suffer heartbreak
Raheem Sterling saw off the Czech Republic at Wembley but Luka Modric-inspired Croatia quietened Hampden Park.
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Your support makes all the difference.England ensured they finished top of Group D by beating the Czech Republic, but Scotland came up short in their bid to reach the knockout stages.
England progressed thanks to Raheem Sterling’s early header in a 1-0 victory at Wembley
Having kicked off Group D by beating World Cup semi-final foes Croatia and then been booed following the goalless draw with rivals Scotland, Gareth Southgate’s already-qualified side put in a controlled display on Tuesday.
Sterling headed home fan favourite Jack Grealish’s cross to seal a narrow win against the Czechs at Wembley, where England will return next Tuesday for a last-16 tie against France, Germany, Portugal or Hungary.
Scotland’s hopes of winning through to the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time ended with a sobering 3-1 defeat by Croatia at Hampden Park.
The Scots needed a victory in their final group fixture to reach the last 16 but despite a big effort fell short again.
Attacker Nikola Vlasic drove in the opener for Croatia in the 17th minute before Callum McGregor gave Steve Clarke’s side encouragement with a leveller three minutes from the break, his first international goal.
However, just after the hour mark, captain Luka Modric restored Croatia’s lead with a stunning strike from 20 yards before Ivan Perisic headed in a third in the 77th minute to seal victory and take the Croats through, with Scotland finishing bottom of the group with just one point.
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In other news
Up nextSlovakia v Spain (Group E, Seville, 1700)Sweden v Poland (Group E, St Petersburg, 1700)Germany v Hungary (Group F, Munich, 2000)Portugal v France (Group F, Budapest, 2000)