England got off to a winning start in their Euro 2024 clash against Serbia at the Vetlins-Arena, thanks to Jude Bellingham’s header.
Jude Bellingham’s 13th-minute header was the difference as the Three Lions stem the challenge from the Serbians to secure victory.
Bukayo Saka crossed the ball into the penalty area with the Real Madrid midfielder left unmarked to head it home past Rajkovic.
Former Fulham forward Mitrovic came close to finding an equaliser for Serbia in the 21st minute but he ended up firing wide over the crossbar
Four minutes later, England proceeded on a blistering counter. Bukayo Saka had found Walker, who came close to making it count but fired wide. The first half ended with England leading by a lone goal.
It was a superior performance by the Three Lions, who dominated proceedings from the start. Serbia made little progress in the opponent’s half and needed to improve their game in the second 45.
It was an open game in the second half with both sides looking to find the back of the net. England substitute Jarrod Bowen came close to doubling England’s lead but his powerful header was fingertipped off by Rajkovic, hitting the underside of the crossbar.
In the 80th minute, Milenkovic-Savic fired a thunderbolt aiming for the goal but his shot was wide of the post. With a few minutes left to play, England held on to secure a narrow 1-0.
It was a deserved victory for the Three Lions, who shoved their shock defeat to Iceland in their last warm-up friendly before the tournament, to put the Serbians to the sword and clinch all three points.
They will take on Denmark in their second group game on Thursday, June 20 while Serbia will tackle Slovenia.
