England's first Euro 2020 mission was accomplished as they beat the Czech Republic to top Group D and start unbeaten in three games without conceding a goal. It means they stay at Wembley for their last-16 meeting, which could be against World Cup holders France, old adversaries Germany or current European champions Portugal. As far as England are concerned, football is staying at home for now - whether it comes home permanently is another matter. If it is to do so, manager Gareth Southgate must find another gear from his players rather than the occasionally stodgy fare produced in this group stage. First things first. England would have settled for this outcome before their opener against Croatia in baking Wembley heat. Euro 2020 - Czech Republic 0-1 England: 'Outstanding' Bukayo Saka can't be dropped - Micah Richards They might have preferred the three games - beating their conquerors from the 2018 World Cup semi-final, drawing with Scotland or getting this win against the Czechs - to be more pleasing on the eye rather than characterised by long periods of attrition. For now, though, this will do - but the realists in the England camp will know their next opponents will be a significant upgrade on anything they have faced so far and Southgate's players must respond accordingly. England may not have produced a statement performance in the manner of Germany, Italy and Belgium, or hinted at greater menace to come like France, but they are exactly where they want to be and Southgate will be satisfied with that. It has been nowhere near perfect, but it is hardly a cause for doom and gloom either. England aspire to 'champagne football', says Southgate Relive England's win over the Czech Republic Czech Republic 0-1 England: Saka is your highest-rated player England have kept 15 clean sheets in their past 19 matches in all competitions, conceding only five goals Let's start with the positives - and despite the reservations about England's mixed efforts in the group phase there are positives to go at. Three clean sheets is impressive, and Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford continued his excellent form of recent months with a crucial diving save from Tomas Holas in the first half here. The sight of Manchester United captain Harry Maguire coming through 90 minutes unscathed after being out since early May with ankle ligament damage will have been a relief to Southgate. When the going gets tough - as it will against any of England's probable last-16 opponents - England will require experience and leadership. Maguire provides both as well as the extra dimension of distribution and command that almost created a first goal of Euro 2020 for captain Harry Kane. Southgate has been accused of conservatism in these opening games, as he has used more defensively minded pivots in Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips. Here, robbed of Chelsea's Mason Mount as he self-isolates after coming into close contact with Scotland's Billy Gilmour, who tested positive for Covid-19 after the second group game, Southgate gave a long-awaited start to Jack Grealish and also brought in Arsenal teenager Bukayo Saka. They were creators-in-chief when the going was good in a lively first 45 minutes.

West Bromwich Albion have contacted police over an alleged racist message sent to midfielder Romaine Sawyers. West Brom say an "abhorrent message" was sent to Sawyers on social media during the loss to Manchester City. They have called for "the toughest available legal punishment" and will ban the individual responsible from The Hawthorns for life. "There is No Room For Racism. Anywhere. Challenge it, report it, change it," said the Premier League club. "Albion will offer Romaine the relevant support required at this time and continues with its long-standing commitment to help rid football of racism." West Brom manager Sam Allardyce said on Friday: "We dealt with it as quickly as we can. It leaves a big question about whether reporting it is enough. "He is extremely upset, as anybody would be. "It does become a greater thing to put right. But who does it lie with? Should a player take legal action? Social media sites need to act in a more responsible way. We have to do our best to cut this out." Saint Kitts and Nevis international Sawyers, 29, played for West Brom between 2009 and 2013 and rejoined the club from Brentford in 2019. He helped them win promotion from the Championship in 2019-20 - playing 42 league games - and has played 18 times in the Premier League this season. Manchester United players Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial were racially abused on social media after Wednesday's home defeat by Sheffield United. "It's just incredible we have these scenes still, this abuse in 2021," Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said on Friday. "We've been campaigning for a long time now with the Premier League and I think it's working but there are still some people that haven't got it. "They're not Man United fans when this happens. We're all standing behind every single one of our players." The Professional Footballers' Association, the players' union, has encouraged Tuanzebe and Martial - as well as any other player targeted by racial abuse - to "press charges". On Monday, the UK government held talks with current and former footballers about tackling discrimination and abuse. The government plans to introduce new laws on online abuse this year and the Premier League has launched its own online abuse reporting system. In a statement, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said he was "appalled" by the racist abuse received by players. "Racist behaviour of any form is unacceptable and nobody should have to deal with it," he said. "Tackling online hate is a priority for football, and I believe social media companies need to do more." He said the Premier League had "regular dialogue" with social media companies, adding: "We want to see swifter removal of offensive messages and improved identification and banning of offenders." Bournemouth winger Junior Stanislas has also faced "disgusting" abuse online. The 31-year-old former England Under-21 international says forcing individuals to disclose their identity when setting up social media accounts would help combat the problem. "As footballers, we have to be held accountable for what we post," Stanislas told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast on Friday. "If we post anything we shouldn't, we get fined for it. That's because our profiles are verified. The public can get away with it. "If accounts had to be verified, or people had to prove who they were before posting things, I think online abuse would certainly come down a bit. "I'm not saying racism would stop or go away - because I don't think it ever will - but I think it can be controlled a lot better."