Jude Bellingham’s early header was just about enough for England to beat Serbia 1-0 in their Euro 2024 opener as they ground out victory in a contest they initially dominated.
England took the lead in the 13th minute when Bellingham burst into the six-yard box to power home a header from a deflected Bukayo Saka cross, finishing off a move that the 20-year-old maestro launched himself deep in midfield.
Gareth Southgate’s side controlled possession but struggled to turn their domination into scoring opportunities against a Serbia side who defended deep and ended the first half with no goal attempts at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen.
Serbia looked livelier in the second half and Jordan Pickford was forced to brilliantly tip Dusan Vlahovic’s effort over the bar to preserve the lead, after opposite number Predrag Rajkovic had made a stunning reflex save that bounced off the crossbar to keep out a Harry Kane close-range header.
Relive all the action from England vs Serbia below:
