England have opened their 2024 European Championship campaign with a 1-0 win over Serbia on Sunday night.
EURO 2024
Report: Serbia 0-1 England
Date: 16 June 2024
Venue: Arena AufSchalke
England manager Gareth Southgate made four changes following a narrow defeat to Iceland in a warm-up friendly, as goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfielder, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham, who supported lone striker Harry Kane, were all recalled.The Three Lions had an ideal start after Bellingham fired them ahead within the first 13 minutes with a powerful diving header from a cross by Saka.
Serbia looked to respond as seven minutes later Aleksandar Mitrovic almost levelled matters with a threatening strike on the edge of the box that dragged just wide.
As the game opened up, Kyle Walker had a big chance for England on 25 minutes after going through on goal but he guided his shot wide of the gaping net after going one-on-one with goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic.
Dragon Stojkovic's charges struggled to open up the Three Lions in the last third but finished the half strongly, as they built up momentum that encouraged them as they went to the half-time break trailing by an odd goal.
The Eagles were spirited from the break but they had much energy without carving opportunities in the last third.
England got into the game after the hour-mark but they were predictable and with 20 minutes to go, Southgate brought on Conor Gallagher in place of Alexander-Arnold to add urgency in attack.
The game opened up as Serbia were also getting desperate and with 13 minutes left, Kane came close to doubling the lead for England with a header that was parried into the crossbar and away from goal by Rajkovic.
The encounter stretched from end to end in the dying minutes but the Three Lions did just enough defensively and held on to maximum points and topped Group C after Denmark and Slovenia played to a 1-1 draw.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
