Serbia 0-1 England: Jude Bellingham header enough as Three Lions secure nervy opening win at Euro 2024

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Evening Standard

·16 June 2024

Serbia 0-1 England: Jude Bellingham header enough as Three Lions secure nervy opening win at Euro 2024

Serbia piled on the pressure but the Three Lions picked up all three points

England survived a second-half scare as they battled to a 1-0 win over Serbia in their opening match at Euro 2024.

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It was a superb start from the Three Lions, full of purpose and attacking threat, and they were rewarded when Jude Bellingham arrived on the scene to head home from Bukayo Saka’s cross for a 13th minute opener.

There was a feeling that would set the stage for a comfortable night for, but it was not to be. Serbia responded well as Gareth Southgate’s side dropped off in the closing stages of the first-half, and England were firmly under pressure after the break.

The chance to put the match to bed came with just over ten minutes remaining, as Jarrod Bowen, just on to replace Bukayo Saka, skipped into space on the right and stood up a cross to the back post, where Harry Kane’s header was superbly tipped onto the bar.

Without the comfort of a second goal it was a nervy conclusion, Dusan Vlahovic forcing Jordan Pickford into an acrobatic save, but England just about held firm to ensure it was a successful start to their bid for European glory.