Preview
Serbia vs England will be the second Group C game and will be played at the Veltins Arena on June 16 as the two nations look to make strong starts.
Serbia will enter this contest on the back of a mixed run of form over the last few months. They have won three of their last eight games across competitions and have secured one draw. However, they have lost four games during that stretch, highlighting the inconsistencies in the team. In this span, Serbia have bagged 11 goals but have conceded 12 as they look to steady the ship. They secured an impressive 3-0 win against Sweden in their last match and will look to replicate that.
England, on the other hand, will enter this match on the back of a decent run of form. They have lost just twice in their last eight games across competitions, securing four wins and two draws in the other six games. During this run, the Three Lions have bagged 12 goals and have conceded just six as they look fairly solid at the back. They defeated Bosnia 3-0 but fell to a shock 1-0 defeat against Iceland in their last game so will look to bounce back in style.
With that said, let’s take a look at the team news coming out from both camps.
Serbia vs England Team News
Serbia
Manager Dragan Stojkovic will have a few tricks up his sleeve when his team take on England in their opening Euro 2024 game. He fielded a near full-strength lineup in their last game against Sweden and walked away with a comfortable 3-0 win.
Most of the starters were involved, with Predrag Rajkovic in goal. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic anchored the midfield alongside Sasa Lukic. Skipper Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic led the line, with Andrija Zivkovic and Filip Mladenovic out wide on the flanks.
Key players Dusan Tadic and Filip Kostic came off the bench but can be expected to start the next game.
England
Manager Gareth Southgate has been experimenting with various aspects of his starting XI in recent months, with various players deployed in different roles each time. However, there are some players that are guaranteed a starting spot no matter the circumstances.
Jordan Pickford will start in goal, with Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier as the designated full-backs. John Stones is a fixture in central defence with the other berth up for grabs. In front of them, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Kobbie Mainoo seem to be the automatic choices for the midfield trio.
Phil Foden can be expected to start on the left, while Bukayo Saka will start on the right, with captain Harry Kane leading the line centrally.
Predicted Lineups
Serbia national football team predicted lineup:
Predrag Rajkovic (GK); Nemanja Stojic, Nikola Milenkovic, Strahinja Pavlovic; Andrija Zivkovic, Ivan Ilic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Sasa Lukic, Filip Mladenovic; Dusan Vlahovic, Aleksandar Mitrovic (C).
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England national football team predicted lineup:
Jordan Pickford (GK); Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Kieran Trippier; Kobbie Mainoo, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden; Harry Kane (C).
Head-to-Head Record
These two sides have never met in a competitive or friendly fixture before, meaning this will be the first-ever match between Serbia and England. The Three Lions did face the united Serbia & Montenegro back in 2003 in a friendly and secured a 2-1 win, though.
Key Players to Watch Out For
- Harry Kane – The England captain will be eager to lead his team with a goal or two in the opening game and will be at his sharpest.
- Jude Bellingham – He has delivered for Real Madrid, which has increased expectations in and England jersey, but will he deliver for the Three Lions?
Serbia vs England Prediction
While England will be most people’s favourites to win this one, one would be remiss to rule out a stacked Serbia side with players who have had great seasons for their clubs. Multiple outlets in attack, an experienced midfield and young defenders will prove to be a tough nut to crack.
However, England have the individuals needed to turn a game on its head and should secure a win, albeit narrow. A Serbia surprise will not raise too many eyebrows, either.
Prediction: Serbia 1-2 England.
When & Where to watch Serbia vs England live?
Q. When will Serbia vs England kick-off?
A. The match will be played at the Veltins Arena and will kick off at 8:00 PM (GMT) on Sunday, June 16.
Q. Where will the match be streamed in the UK?
A. The match will be available on BBC Sport and ITV UK.
Q. Where will the match be streamed in India?
A. The match will be available on the Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV app.
Q. Where will the match be streamed in Serbia?
A. It will be available on Arena Sport Serbia and RTS Serbia.
Q. Where will the match be streamed in the USA?
A. The game will be available on Fox Sports English, and fubo TV.
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