England's Euro 2024 campaign got off to a winning start on Sunday evening as Jude Bellingham's effort ensured the Three Lions earned three points.
Victory over Serbia sees Gareth Southgate's side top of Group C, after Denmark and Slovenia drew in their match earlier in the day. It was a win that did not come easily.
The opening 45 minutes saw Bellingham and Bukayo Saka dominate their opposite numbers. Real Madrid star Bellingham produced an impressive header from Saka's cross to provide England with a solid platform.
The second period proved more nervous as England sank deeper into their own half and Serbia became a more aggressive opposition. Jordan Pickford stood strong to keep them at bay as Southgate's team got the job done.
A nervy night but three points is what is required at this stage. Progress is more important than performance and hopefully that can come later in the competition anyway.
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No shortage of action to come from the Euros from England and beyond. Stap in and enjoy, we'll be back with all of the updates.
Jude Bellingham of England celebrates scoring his team's first goal (Richard Pelham)England have kept a clean sheet in their last five Euros group stage matches. It's the longest run in the competition. The Three Lions have also now won each of their four opening tournament matches under Southgate. That is just one fewer than across their previous 23 tournament appearances.
Millions of England fans headed down the pub tonight to see Three Lions kick off their Euro campaign with a win against Serbia.
They headed to their local, to bars, clubs and restaurants, to see our long-awaited opener as rain hit many parts of the UK. A 17m TV audience was predicted, the biggest of the year so far. Around 2m watched in 35,000 pubs across the UK or at fan zones in Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham and Hastings.
Loyal supporters were left singing in the rain in the Times Square fan zone in Newcastle upon Tyne.
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(Getty Images)"We knew it was going to be a tough game, Serbia pose a lot of threats and have some good players. They will make it a battle for you and I think we dealt with it really well. There was a spell in the second half where we got camped in our box and we found it hard to get out but it was an important win tonight."
Harry Kane of England applauds the fans (Michael Regan)
Harry Kane of England and Milos Veljkovic of Serbia interact at full-time (Dean Mouhtaropoulos)
Felix Keith has taken a look at what unfolded and dissected the talking points. Bellingham, Guehi's performance, the risk and reward of Alexander-Arnold and more.
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Jude Bellingham scored in the 13th minute for England ( OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images)Phew!
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Bellingham gave England the lead but it may have been Pickford that earned the three points. A close one but job done. Three points on the board.
Jude Bellingham of England shakes hands with Gareth Southgate (Alex Gottschalk)There will likely be a few nerves inside the stadium as England look to hang onto the ball and a possible three points.
Four minutes added.
Bellingham is replaced by teenager Kobbie Mainoo who makes his competitive England debut.
Quite the angle.
Jordan Pickford of England saves the shot of Dusan Vlahovic (Lars Baron)Straight out of the top drawer from Pickford who makes a big save from Vlahovic. A second is require from the corner before Kane is then celebrating his defending as England come under pressure. Tense.
Former Fulham defender Moritz Volz co-commentating on German TV: “This is the point of the game where England usually score their second goal, against the run of play.”
Saka makes way for Bowen as England regroup for a free kick and Tadic picks up a yellow card.
Saka was unplayable in the opening 45 minutes but has struggled to be as involved in the second period.
Bowen almost has an immediate impact as he drives down the wing and finds Kane at the back post. Good header is saved. Very, very close.
Bukayo Saka of England and Strahinja Pavlovic of Serbia in action (2024 Kevin Voigt)Declan Rice's pass heads straight off the pitch with Serbia ensuring physicality in every challenge for the ball. Things not looking quite as secure as they once did.
Alexander-Arnold makes way for Gallagher.
Jordan Pickford reacts during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Serbia and England (Matt McNulty)Tadic has made an impact since being introduced and Serbia look lively. England finding it tricky to keep possession.
Shearer on Kane: "he needs to stay up front. As difficult as it is because England are suffering in possession. They need him up there though are the ball just comes straight back at you."
Conor Gallagher preparing to come on.
Trippier nudges Mitrovic in the back and leaves Serbia calling for a VAR review. Bit naughty from the defender but he's got away with it.
Bellingham is left slapping the floor as the ball is nipped away from him after Alexander-Arnold's pass. It's time for Southgate's side to have some time on the ball after a tricky 10 minutes. Foden unhappy they haven't kept hold of it longer.
England head coach Gareth Southgate during the UEFA Euro 2024 match between Serbia and England (Pressinphoto / Icon Sport)More energy from England's opponents in this half. They are not inviting pressure from the Three Lions and are showing a bit more ambition. Could leave space for England though.
A call for calm heads from Rice as Pickford claims the ball.
Aleksandar Mitrovic of Serbia and Jude Bellingham (ANP)Serbia keep possession but slowly head back to their goalkeeper.
Both teams emerge from the tunnel together and head to their respective halves.
Squawka illustrate the influence of Bellingham in that opening half
(AFP via Getty Images)Kane is keeping high up the pitch but has enjoyed just two touches in the opening half.
"He doesn't care how many touches he has, he cares how many touches and up in the net," says Gary Lineker.
Harry Kane of England during the UEFA EURO 2024 group C match between Serbia and England (ANP)Micah Richards: "For someone of such a young age, Bellingham's composure is remarkable. He's the leader in England's team. He's got a great attitude. He's got everything."
Serbia are noisy now but England will be relieved after Stones uncertain clearance went out for a corner and nothing worse. England are able to clear at the second time of asking with ease however.
England coach Gareth Southgate during the UEFA EURO 2024 group C match between Serbia and England (ANP)Kostic is replaced after pulling up. The Serbian has had his work cut out with Saka in the opening half.
Panathinaikos ace Filip Mladenović comes on.
Bellingham has been in the wars in midfield and this time Gudelj leaves a foot in. England's goalscorer is covering every blade at the moment.
A few recogniseable figures in the crowd to take in his performance too.
Fabio Capello looks on prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Serbia and England (Chris Brunskill)Outside of an early Mitrovic shot, England's new-look backline has looked secure. Both Guehi and Stones have played on the front foot. Things settling down a little now as Serbia enjoy some possession of their own but again Guehi steps out to claim the ball.
Marc Guehi during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group C football match between Serbia and England (ADRIAN DENNIS)Jude Bellingham puts himself into third position at 20 years and 353 days. Wayne Rooney, 18 years and 237 days, and Michael Owen, 20 years and 189 days, hold the top two spots.
Jude Bellingham headed in the opener with a trademark finish (Matt McNulty/UEFA via Getty Images)Walker drives forward and into the Serbia box and is able to play it back. The England bodies in the box are standing and don't throw themselves towards the ball though. Big chance there.
Positive start with plenty of energy in Gareth Southgate's 96th match in charge.
