Raheem Sterling hints England are not afraid of the prospect of facing France, Portugal or Germany in the Euro 2020 round-of-16 after his goal sent the Three Lions through to the knockouts.
The England’s winger headed in the winning goal after 12 minutes for Gareth Southgate’s side in their final Euro 2020 group game with Czech Republic at Wembley – a result which means the Three Lions have topped Group D.
Southgate’s side are likely to face either reigning European champions Portugal, the last World Cup champions France or arch-rivals Germany in the first knockout round – but Sterling is not fazed by the potential challenges that may await.
Tuesday night’s match-winner told ITV Sport: ‘At some point you’re going to have to face the best teams and that’s the whole point of a tournament, to challenge yourself.
‘Our objective from the beginning was to win the group. People were disappointed in the Scotland game but we didn’t concede and that’s the most important thing.
‘We kept the ball better today, there was more attacking option and we got in the gaps really well and played some really good football at times.’
Sterling took the plaudits for yet another winning goal and remains the only Three Lions player to find the net at the tournament after the 26-year-old scored the winner against Croatia on matchday one.
But his goal against the Czech Republic came about due to the hard work and endeavours of team-mates Bukayo Saka and Jack Grealish, who were two of four changes from last week’s Scotland stalemate along with Harry Maguire and Kyle Walker.
Grealish provided a lofted teasing cross with Sterling headed home from close range, while Arsenal star Saka started the move brilliantly by carrying the ball into the Czech Republic half and beating several defenders.
Manchester City winger Sterling hailed the chance creation that Grealish and Saka can bring to this England side, describing the pair as ‘important players’.
‘They got in the pockets really well, they were positive and it’s really great to have these players around you that can create goals.
‘Different players are needed for different matches and the two that came in today and Jordan (Henderson) are really important for what we needed to do.’
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