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.

Croatia v Scotland – UEFA Euro 2020 – Group D – Hampden Park (PA Wire)

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.

Czech Republic v England – UEFA Euro 2020 – Group D – Wembley Stadium (PA Wire)

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.

Luka Modric puts Croatia ahead (PA Wire)

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.

Who knew?

Hammer time

Home time

Fans watch Croatia v Scotland (PA Wire)

Stat of the day

Jordan Henderson, who had a goal disallowed, is one of only seven outfield players to have more than 50 caps for England but never scored

Quote of the day

I'm proud of the players for getting here for the first time in 23 years

Steve Clarke

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)