England vs Serbia reaction as Bellingham goal secures opening Euro 2024 win (2025)

That's all for tonight

A nervy night but three points is what is required at this stage. Progress is more important than performance and hopefully that can come later in the competition anyway.

No shortage of action to come from the Euros from England and beyond. Stap in and enjoy, we'll be back with all of the updates.

Statistics

England have kept a clean sheet in their last five Euros group stage matches. It's the longest run in the competition. The Three Lions have also now won each of their four opening tournament matches under Southgate. That is just one fewer than across their previous 23 tournament appearances.

Millions of England fans flood UK pubs to watch win

Millions of England fans headed down the pub tonight to see Three Lions kick off their Euro campaign with a win against Serbia.

They headed to their local, to bars, clubs and restaurants, to see our long-awaited opener as rain hit many parts of the UK. A 17m TV audience was predicted, the biggest of the year so far. Around 2m watched in 35,000 pubs across the UK or at fan zones in Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham and Hastings.

Loyal supporters were left singing in the rain in the Times Square fan zone in Newcastle upon Tyne.

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Kane's verdict

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

England celebrations

Full time scenes

Talking points

Felix Keith has taken a look at what unfolded and dissected the talking points. Bellingham, Guehi's performance, the risk and reward of Alexander-Arnold and more.

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Full time. England win!

Phew!

Bellingham gave England the lead but it may have been Pickford that earned the three points. A close one but job done. Three points on the board.

Into stoppage time

There will likely be a few nerves inside the stadium as England look to hang onto the ball and a possible three points.

Four minutes added.

Subsitution

Bellingham is replaced by teenager Kobbie Mainoo who makes his competitive England debut.

That save

Quite the angle.

Great save

Straight out of the top drawer from Pickford who makes a big save from Vlahovic. A second is require from the corner before Kane is then celebrating his defending as England come under pressure. Tense.

Let's hope so

Former Fulham defender Moritz Volz co-commentating on German TV: “This is the point of the game where England usually score their second goal, against the run of play.”

New option

Saka makes way for Bowen as England regroup for a free kick and Tadic picks up a yellow card.

Saka was unplayable in the opening 45 minutes but has struggled to be as involved in the second period.

Bowen almost has an immediate impact as he drives down the wing and finds Kane at the back post. Good header is saved. Very, very close.

Straight out

Declan Rice's pass heads straight off the pitch with Serbia ensuring physicality in every challenge for the ball. Things not looking quite as secure as they once did.

Alexander-Arnold makes way for Gallagher.

England struggling

Tadic has made an impact since being introduced and Serbia look lively. England finding it tricky to keep possession.

Shearer on Kane: "he needs to stay up front. As difficult as it is because England are suffering in possession. They need him up there though are the ball just comes straight back at you."

Conor Gallagher preparing to come on.

Penalty shout

Trippier nudges Mitrovic in the back and leaves Serbia calling for a VAR review. Bit naughty from the defender but he's got away with it.

Pinched away

Bellingham is left slapping the floor as the ball is nipped away from him after Alexander-Arnold's pass. It's time for Southgate's side to have some time on the ball after a tricky 10 minutes. Foden unhappy they haven't kept hold of it longer.

Improved Serbia

More energy from England's opponents in this half. They are not inviting pressure from the Three Lions and are showing a bit more ambition. Could leave space for England though.

A call for calm heads from Rice as Pickford claims the ball.

Second half kicks off

Serbia keep possession but slowly head back to their goalkeeper.

Out come the teams

Both teams emerge from the tunnel together and head to their respective halves.

Bellingham stats

Squawka illustrate the influence of Bellingham in that opening half

• Most touches (56)
• Most passes in final third (17)
• Most duels won (8)
• Most fouls won (4)
• Most tackles (2)
• Most goals (1)

Looking for a touch

Kane is keeping high up the pitch but has enjoyed just two touches in the opening half.

"He doesn't care how many touches he has, he cares how many touches and up in the net," says Gary Lineker.

Bellingham praise

Micah Richards: "For someone of such a young age, Bellingham's composure is remarkable. He's the leader in England's team. He's got a great attitude. He's got everything."

Half-time.

Serbia are noisy now but England will be relieved after Stones uncertain clearance went out for a corner and nothing worse. England are able to clear at the second time of asking with ease however.

Early substitute

Kostic is replaced after pulling up. The Serbian has had his work cut out with Saka in the opening half.

Panathinaikos ace Filip Mladenović comes on.

Yellow card

Bellingham has been in the wars in midfield and this time Gudelj leaves a foot in. England's goalscorer is covering every blade at the moment.

A few recogniseable figures in the crowd to take in his performance too.

Comfortable

Outside of an early Mitrovic shot, England's new-look backline has looked secure. Both Guehi and Stones have played on the front foot. Things settling down a little now as Serbia enjoy some possession of their own but again Guehi steps out to claim the ball.

England's youngest Euros goalscorers

Jude Bellingham puts himself into third position at 20 years and 353 days. Wayne Rooney, 18 years and 237 days, and Michael Owen, 20 years and 189 days, hold the top two spots.

How's it not two?

Walker drives forward and into the Serbia box and is able to play it back. The England bodies in the box are standing and don't throw themselves towards the ball though. Big chance there.

Positive start with plenty of energy in Gareth Southgate's 96th match in charge.