ENGLAND fans rejoiced as the Three Lions won their first Euros clash - but it was a tense second half after Serbia came out fighting.
Jude Bellingham's header secured Gareth Southgate's side a 1-0 victory putting them in control of their qualifying group.
Real Madrid golden boy Bellingham grabbed the only goal at Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen.
But England had to dig in their heels and put in a shift following half time as Serbia pushed forward.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was quickly replaced for Conor Gallagher and Jarrod Bowen came on for Bukayo Saka.
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Harry Kane almost gave the Three Lions a two goal lead - but was denied by shotstopper Predrag Rajkovic.
Bellingham was replaced by Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo in a tense final five minutes.
But England put their first-match jitters behind them as they soared to the top of Group C.
Fan zones and pubs back home erupted as Southgate's secured their first victory.
England fans in Newcastle danced to Sweet Caroline as they watched their side kick off with a win.
The crowd went wild as Bellingham burst the net to give England a deserved lead in the first half.
Chants of "please don't take me home" and "Bowen's on fire" blared across the concourse as the Three Lions edged towards victory.
Patriotic fans wore England bucket hats and retro shirts as they nervously watched a tense second half.
Connor Sillom, 26, an engineer from Norwich, said: "I'm not going to lie, I thought we were going to batter Serbia but a win's a win."
Beth, a 24-year-old hospital worker, said: "Southgate is definitely the one.
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"We really enjoyed the game and I think we can get far in the Euros."
Bellingham walked off applauding the England throng to a deafening standing ovation when he was substituted in the 85th minute after giving his all.
Late in the game, captain Kane came a whisker from matching the man of match's headed thunderbolt after a brilliant cross from West Ham's Jarrod Bowen.
But his effort bounced back out off the underside of the bar to the consternation of fans desperate for a two-goal cushion.
Another scare came moments later when goalie Jordan Pickford parried a powerful long range effort over the bar.
England - playing in an all-white strip - were pushed hard by the tough tackling Serbs in the second half and fans endured nervy spells.
But backed by the booming bass drum of the England Supporter's band belting out the Great Escape it turned out all-white on the night for Southgate's battlers.
England are getting closer to finally ending 58 years of hurt in the last few tournaments.
The side crashed out of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar following a 2-1 loss to France in the quarter finals.
It came just two years after the Three Lions heartbreakingly lost on penalties to Italy in a devastating Wembley final at Euro 2020.
England remain firm favourites in the competition but must first face Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia in their group.
Southgate has already faced questions after leaving a number of big names out of his squad - including Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford.
Thirsty fans are expected to sink 300million pints during the tournament as they flock to pubs across the country.
The British Beer & Pub Association estimates pubs will pour an extra 20million pints worth £94million.
Brewery Greene King expects to sell seven million pints at its venues - including 37,000 pints tonight in London alone.
A £2.7bn spending spree is also predicted - surpassing the £2bn spent during the World Cup in Qatar - as fans take advantage of the sociable game times and warmer weather.
If the Three Lions do go on to lift the trophy on July 14 the squad has negotiated a bumper share of the £24million the FA will receive.
Stars such as captain Kane and Bellingham will share a £9.6million chunk of the prize pot.
Boss Southgate is in line for a £4million windfall with assistant manager Steve Holland also promised a hefty bonus.
Sponsorship consultant Nigel Currie said Kane and co would rake in millions more in big money deals for the rest of their careers.
