England hold on to win Euro 2024 opener against dogged Serbia - live reaction (2024)

16th Jun 2024, 23:00By Jack Johnson

England 1-0 Serbia: REACTION

And that’s all for our live coverage of England’s 1-0 win against Serbia in their opening game of Euro 2024!

The Three Lions claimed all three points and moved straight to the top of Group C thanks to Jude Bellingham’s header.

Serbia put in the hard work and will be disappointed to have been beaten but Gareth Southgate’s side saw out their win well.

It wasn't a vintage performance by any means, however, it’s the result that matters most.

For more reaction to the game, you can check out Adrian Durham’s player ratings below…

Bellingham gets 9/10 but two key England stars given poor ratings and told more is needed

16th Jun 2024, 22:55By Jack Johnson

England 1-0 Serbia:REACTION

Gareth Southgate also gave an update on Kieran Trippier's fitness.

Trippier looked to have possibly suffered a hamstring issue late in the game, however, he seems to have avoided injury.

"[It was] just a bit of cramp, really," Southgate told the BBC.

"To play the way he did shows what a great character he is."

16th Jun 2024, 22:50By Jack Johnson

England 1-0 Serbia:REACTION

England manager Gareth Southgate has reacted to tonight's win and praised the impact of Jude Bellingham post-match.

Speaking to the BBC, Southgate said: "They are a strong team. We had to suffer a bit which I think is really good for us.

"I think to defend the box the way we did was really good for us. I was really pleased with a lot of the play. Second half we didn't keep it as well as I would have liked but to get the win is very important."

He continued: "He [Bellingham] writes his own script.

"The timing of his runs. It was a super bit of play in the build-up of his play. I think all of our forward players looked really good.

"I am confident we will score goals. Playing against a back five it is not easy to create chances and we did. I liked the fact we had to suffer without the ball because that is an area we have worked on a lot this week.

"We were obviously much better than last week at doing that."

16th Jun 2024, 22:45By Jack Johnson

England 1-0 Serbia:REACTION

Jordan Pickford has also joined an England legend tonight after making his 20th appearance at a major tournament.

Only Peter Shilton has played as many games as that when it comes to Three Lions goalkeepers.

As well as that, Pickford picked up his 10th clean sheet at a major tournament which also equals Shilton's tally.

Speaking about making history, he said: "A great achievement personally, but I will never take plaudits myself.

"I have a full 11 that help me and I am just there when the lads need me.

"To be up there with Peter Shilton is a great privilege."

16th Jun 2024, 22:40By Jack Johnson

England 1-0 Serbia:REACTION

Lost amongst all of Jude Bellingham's incredible stats following his header tonight was this gem!

With his goal against Serbia and goal against Iran at World Cup 2022, Bellingham became the fifth player to score England's opening goal at two different major tournaments.

He has emulated Three Lions legends Bobby Charlton, Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker and Bryan Robson by achieving the feat.

16th Jun 2024, 22:35By Jack Johnson

England 1-0 Serbia:REACTION

Here's some reaction from the England fans...

talkSPORT's Ian Abrahams has spoken to one supporter who was happy with the opening game win.

But he wasn't pleased with the performance from the Three Lions tonight.

16th Jun 2024, 22:30By Jack Johnson

England 1-0 Serbia:REACTION

Only Sir Alf Ramsey (67% - 8/12) has a better win rate amongst England managers in major tournaments than Gareth Southgate (60% - 12/20).

The Three Lions boss is up there with the best.

But will he be able to turn that impressive win rate into some silverware in Germany this summer?

16th Jun 2024, 22:25By Jack Johnson

England 1-0 Serbia:REACTION

Reflecting on the game and his performance, Jude Bellingham gave his thoughts to the BBC.

He said: "Good game. I thought they were a very tough side. Very robust, strong and a big group of lads and it was important that we prepared well.

"The staff got it right. We prepared all week very well. We knew the roles we had to do. We try to keep to our own standards and try to do our own job.

"It's important that we got off to a good start. Positive inside the camp and onto the next one.

"I have got used to getting into the box, getting wide and trying to do that. I got into that habit at Madrid and I wanted to carry my form into the Euros.

"It's a great start for me personally to get my confidence up and to help the lads get the win is the most important thing."

16th Jun 2024, 22:20By Jack Johnson

England 1-0 Serbia:REACTION

England have kept a clean sheet in each of their last five group-stage matches at the UEFA European Championship finals,

That is the longest such run in the competition’s history.

The Three Lions had to work hard to keep their lead but they managed to keep Serbia out and claim three points.

16th Jun 2024, 22:15By Jack Johnson

England 1-0 Serbia:REACTION

Jude Bellingham is on top form in his post-match interview.

Things just keep getting better for the England superstar as he backed up an incredible domestic season with a winning goal tonight.

He has also picked up the Player of the Match award.

Bellingham was asked what it's like to be him right now, to which he replied with a smile: "It's alright, it could be worse!

"Jude Bellingham is made up of amazing people really, it's not just me who turns up and able to play football and just enjoy it like I do.

"It's because I have such a great support network, my family, my friends, my teammates here and in Madrid.

"So I'm just so fortunate and the football is the easiest part."

16th Jun 2024, 22:11By Jack Johnson

England 1-0 Serbia:REACTION

England captain Harry Kane has given his thoughts on the Three Lions' opening game victory.

"We knew it was going to be a tough game, Serbia pose a lot of threats and have some good players," Kane told the BBC.

"They will make it a battle for you and I think we dealt with it really well. There was a spell in the second half where we got camped in our box and we found it hard to get out but it was an important win tonight.

"It's a tough game. They are a tough team and have good players. We stood up to it well and it is good to get the three points and [for us] to progress.

"It's good that we got the win today."

16th Jun 2024, 22:08By Jack Johnson

England 1-0 Serbia:REACTION

So, here's how Group C looks after Matchday 1!

England's win puts them top of the table following Denmark and Slovenia's 1-1 draw earlier today.

A good sight to see after a tense affair in Gelsenkirchen.

16th Jun 2024, 22:04By Jack Johnson

England 1-0 Serbia:REACTION

England’s Jude Bellingham (World Cup 2022 and EURO 2024) became just the second player ever to score at both the World Cup and European Championship before turning 21.

He has followed in the footsteps of compatriot Michael Owen (World Cup 1998 and EURO 2000).

Bellingham is also now the first player to score for England at both the World Cup and European Championship while playing his club football outside of England.

16th Jun 2024, 22:01By Jack Johnson

England 1-0 Serbia:REACTION

England have won their opening game in all four of their major tournaments played under Gareth Southgate (EURO 2020 and 2024, World Cup 2018 and 2022).

That is just one fewer such victory than across their other 23 major tournament appearances (W5 D11 L7).

Setting off on the right foot once again!

16th Jun 2024, 22:00By Jack Johnson

England 1-0 Serbia:REACTION

The match stats could easily be split into two halves.

England were impressive in the first half and took the deserved lead after Jude Bellingham's header.

But all of Serbia's possession and chances came in the second and they made things incredibly nervy for the Three Lions.

16th Jun 2024, 21:57By Jack Johnson

England 1-0 Serbia:REACTION

It was lacklustre in that second half from England but it's the result that matters and they begin with a win.

Adrian Durham live on talkSPORT: "At the start of the evening, I said if England win all seven of their games they're European champions.

"But I'm not sure I can cope with performances like that!

"The result feel so fantastic but the second half, it was like we were trying to throw it away!

"Those nerves were shredded at the end!"

16th Jun 2024, 21:54By Jack Johnson

England 1-0 Serbia: FULL TIME

THE FINAL WHISTLE BLOWS!

ENGLAND WIN THEIR EURO 2024 OPENER!

It wasn't pretty but the Three Lions have the three points!

After a dominant first half an hour Serbia threatened, but Gareth Southgate's side defended well and saw out a victory!

16th Jun 2024, 21:52By Jack Johnson

England 1-0 Serbia

90+2' Conor Gallagher wins a crucial free-kick.

That bides some time for England and they take it very slowly before finding Jarrod Bowen out wide.

He concedes a throw-in and Serbia will come forward one more time...

16th Jun 2024, 21:50By Jack Johnson

England 1-0 Serbia

90' There will be four minutes of added time.

England are sitting on their fragile lead...

Things just haven't clicked for them in this second half and Serbia have been the better team.

It's the result that matters though and they need to see this out.

16th Jun 2024, 21:48By Jack Johnson

England 1-0 Serbia

88' Serbia are giving their all out there!

Even manager Dragan Stojkovic has even got carried away and received a booking for dissent a moment ago.

His side are pushing for a late equaliser with John Stones clearing brilliantly to deny a chance for Luka Jovic!

16th Jun 2024, 21:46By Jack Johnson

England 1-0 Serbia

86' Jude Bellingham is off for England.

He's replaced by Kobbie Mainoo.

The Three Lions goalscorer receives a standing ovation from the travelling supporters.

Shouts of 'JUDDEEEEE' fill the stadium.

16th Jun 2024, 21:44By Jack Johnson

England 1-0 Serbia

85' Five minutes left to see this out!

England have come under so much pressure in this second half and have been a shadow of themselves following an impressive opening 45.

They need to hang on in the final stages...

Stuart Pearce live on talkSPORT: "We've been in the same mode of seeing the game out for too long.

"We're in a lethargy and I can't see us getting the second goal, so we need to starve Serbia of possession."

16th Jun 2024, 21:42By Jack Johnson

CHANCE! England 1-0 Serbia

83' WHAT A SAVE, JORDAN PICKFORD!

He saves brilliantly to deny Dusan Vlahovic who strikes from the edge of the box with his left foot.

From the corner, Harry Kane then heads clear a goal-bound effort!

Kane punches the air in celebration!

16th Jun 2024, 21:41By Jack Johnson

England 1-0 Serbia

81' It looks like it could have been a hamstring issue.

He stretches it off on the hoardings and now seems okay.

He'll continue but there will now be concerns over his fitness and with England so short at left-back it's not ideal at all.

Stuart Pearce live on talkSPORT: "If I was in any doubt I'd make the change.

"If you don't you could lose him for a couple of more games, if not the tournament."

16th Jun 2024, 21:40By Jack Johnson

England 1-0 Serbia

79' Oh no...

Kieran Trippier is down and has his hands on his face as he lay down on his back.

This could be a major, major blow.

Stuart Pearce live on talkSPORT: "In a position we did not want to lose a player, we may have lost one."