Having watched Germany embarrass Scotland on opening night, then Spain pick apart a decent opponent in Croatia in good style, there could be no denying that England’s 1-0 victory over Serbia — solid result though it was — felt a little underwhelming.
Context, though, has been kinder to Gareth Southgate in the days since, and his reminders about both the awkwardness and importance of the first group match of any tournament feel more vindicated now that Belgium have been beaten and Portugal and France made to work hard for their own opening victories, also by just a single goal.
