Raheem Sterling's second-half goal sealed a 1-0 win for hosts England against Croatia in their European Championship Group D opener at Wembley on Sunday.
In a repeat of the 2018 World Cup semi-final won by Croatia, England gained a measure of revenge and deserved a first ever win in an opening Euro game with the visitors failing to really threaten.
"It feels good to be honest with you, I always said I'm scoring at Wembley in my back garden," Sterling, born near the London stadium, told the BBC.
"It is great to get off to a win, that is the most important thing."
Sterling had been frozen out by club side Manchester City towards the end of the Premier League season but is a mainstay for England.
"It has been a long season for me, I couldn't wait to get here," he added.
Phil Foden and Harry Kane were among England players to have other good chances while Jude Bellingham, 17 years and 349 days-old, became the youngest Euro finals player of all-time when introduced late on.
Scotland host Czech Republic in the other group opener on Monday.
Croatia defender Sime Vrsaljko told reporters: "We lost our opening match at the Euros for the first time ever, but it is not a disaster. We had some good spells but England were better. We gave our best."
England are viewed as one of the tournament favourites by pundits given they play all their group games at Wembley, which also hosts the semis and final of the pan-continental tournament.
Centre back Harry Maguire was not fit enough for England's match squad while Southgate sprang a surprise by playing the right-footed Kieran Trippier at left back against an experienced Croatia line-up.
The hosts made a strong start with Foden hitting the base of the post with a curling effort and Kalvin Phillips having a fierce effort saved.
Croatia - with Luka Modric pulling the strings - came more into the game as the first half wore on but without creating any clear-cut chances, as England appeared to wilt a little in the heat.
The second half also started lacklustre until Phillips burst forward to set up Sterling to score on 57 minutes.
Sterling was hit-and-miss during the game and found the net with a slightly lucky finish.
Kane then should have scored after a cross from the bright Mason Mount but ended up colliding with the post. The 2018 World Cup top scorer was fit to continue amid chants of "Football's Coming Home" from England fans.
"It is lovely to have given our country and fans a really enjoyable afternoon," Southgate said.
Sterling blasted over when well-placed as a disappointing Croatia were reduced to a snatched effort from Ante Rebic and a Modric effort from distance.
England players were again booed by a section of their own fans after taking the knee in protest at racism. Wembley was a quarter-full due to coronavirus rules.
Source: DPA
