England have kicked off their EURO 2024 campaign with a 1-0 win over Serbia. Jude Bellingham scored the lone goal of the match as the Three Lions secured all three points.
Gareth Southgate’s men have now gone on top of Group C after the first match in their group – Slovenia vs Denmark ended in a draw. England takes on Denmark on Thursday next and then faces Slovenia in the final match.
Serbia vs England Highlights
13′ – GOAL! A thumping header from Jude Bellingham and England are head. The midfielder makes a late run into the box and gives it his all to win the ball just inside the six-yard box. 1-0 England!
19′ – ATTEMPT: Trent Alexander-Arnold has an effort from outside the box but the ball rolls out for a goal kick.
23′ – ATTEMPT: Dusan Vlahovic has a shot on goal, but is blocked.
42′ – INJURY: Filip Kostic has picked up an injury and is on the floor. He is unable to continue and is replaced by Filip Mladenoviic.
77′ – POST! Harry Kane comes close to making it 2-0 but his shot is pushed onto the post.
83′ – SAVED: Dusan Vlahovic has a shot on goal from long-range but Jordan Pickford pushes it over the bar.
Key Stats
- Three of the five EURO matches with the fewest shots since 1980 have now featured Gareth Southgate’s England.
- A total of 11 shots in Serbia vs England – the fewest shots taken at any of 322 matches played at the European Championships since the start of EURO 1980.
- Harry Kane recorded just two touches in the opening 45 minutes of the match — no other player on the pitch has recorded less than 9 touches so far.
- Jarrod Bowen was the only England player to create a big chance against Serbia.
- England are the first side to keep a clean sheet in five consecutive group stage games at the European Championships
- John Stones won more aerial duels than any other player against Serbia (4).
- Bukayo Saka now has 27 goal contributions in 24 starts for England.
Player of the Match – Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham was all over the pitch to help England and also managed to get on the scoresheet today. He was involved in almost all the attacks by the Three Lions and Serbia could not do much to stop him.
Key Moment
Jude Bellingham made a late run into the box and went full-on for a header from close range. Miloš Veljković tried his best to get to the deflected cross, but the Englishman managed to beat him to it and score the lone goal of the match.
Conclusion
England have managed to scrape a win once again against a side they were favorites to thrash. The Three Lions could have scored a lot more in the first half but had to struggle to get past the finishing line.
Also Read: Slovenia vs Denmark Player Ratings as Christian Eriksen Scores Stunning Goal