England bought their Euro 2024 marketing campaign off to a strong begin after Jude Bellingham’s first-half purpose noticed Gareth Southgate’s aspect seal a 1-0 victory in opposition to Serbia on Sunday night time.
Recent from clinching the Champions League last with Actual Madrid, Bellingham produced a strong header to present England the lead after simply 13 minutes.
But it surely was removed from a simple win for England, with Jordan Pickford producing a implausible save to disclaim Serbia a late equaliser as Dragan Stojkovic’s aspect grew into the match to ask questions of the Three Lions late on.
Regardless of a late resurgence from Serbia, England held on and take command of Group C following Denmark’s 1-1 draw in opposition to Slovenia earlier on Sunday night time.
Mail Sport’s Craig Hope delivers his England participant rankings from their 1-0 victory in opposition to Serbia.
Jude Bellingham (centre) bought England’s Euro 2024 marketing campaign off to the proper begin on Sunday
The Actual Madrid star scored a diving header to present his aspect an early lead in opposition to Serbia
Gareth Southgate’s aspect go high of Group C after they sealed a 1-0 victory in Gelsenkirchen
ENGLAND (4-2-3-1)
Jordan Pickford 7
He was a spectator within the first half however made an enormous collect in his goalmouth shortly after half-time, bravely getting down amid our bodies to snaffle a cross. His kicking was sound and, whereas the clear sheet was not the toughest he’ll obtain, it was a secure efficiency with one high save late on.
Kyle Walker 7
He was an actual risk from an attacking perspective, within the first half particularly. It was his cute cross in behind the full-back that freed Saka to cross for the breakthrough purpose and he wanted no encouragement to interrupt ahead from proper again. Quieter after the break.
John Stones 6.5
A nervy first contact inside 60 seconds that might have led to a scoring alternative for Serbia, had he not recovered to appropriate his error. He noticed a lot of the ball and didn’t appear to waste it as soon as, however was outdone for tempo throughout one second-half scare for England.
Marc Guehi 6.5
He was much more assured than in some latest internationals, however there will likely be far larger assessments than this. There was additionally a poor contact that might have prompted hassle for England when he over-ran the ball in midfield, and he was outdone in one other duel. However, on the entire, this was higher from the centre-back.
Jordan Pickford (centre) produced a sensational save to disclaim Serbia late on through the sport
Kyle Walker (left) orchestrated the transfer for England’s opening purpose and was an actual risk within the first half
John Stones (centre) noticed a lot of the ball and did not appear to waste it however was outdone for tempo
Marc Guehi (proper) had a greater efficiency tonight for England, however he’ll come up in opposition to larger assessments than this
Kieran Trippier (left) was strong in defence claiming a few a number of essential aerial wins
Kieran Trippier 7
Precisely what you’d count on – strong if unspectacular, and that is all he needed to be. There have been a few good aerial wins and one essential interception within the penalty space as Serbia pressed for parity early within the second half. Luke Shaw isn’t any cert to return if and when he’s match.
Declan Rice 7
His staff wanted him early within the second half as Serbia grew in confidence and boy did he step up throughout that interval, successful tackles, making interceptions and even threading passes ahead to alleviate a spell of stress. His significance to the staff is obvious. The partnership with Alexander-Arnold didn’t work, nevertheless.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 5
Some good, some unhealthy. Extra so of the latter, sadly. His mistake nearly led to a Serbia purpose within the first half and his passing surrendered possession on a few events. There have been a few pretty balls to spring the likes of Saka clear, however on the entire this midfield experiment didn’t work.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (left) produced a mistake that just about value England a purpose however nonetheless produced a number of pretty passes to free his team-mates
The partnership between declan Rice (entrance) and Alexander-Arnold didn’t work tonight
Bellingham (centre) was in all places through the sport and was simply England’s high performer
Bukayo Saka 7
He tortured Serbia down the proper within the first half and each time he bought the ball he beat his man and delivered. It was his cross, albeit deflected, that created Bellingham’s opener. Not like Foden, he regarded completely satisfied in his place and knew precisely find out how to influence. He light although and nonetheless appears to be like in need of his highest.
Jude Bellingham 8
You could possibly inform he was within the temper inside two minutes when producing an outrageous contact to beat an opponent. He was in all places, doing the job of a No 10, No 8 and No 6. His purpose, a diving header, was all about timing and bravado. He was England’s greatest by a distance, even when he did fade second half. Man of the match.
Phil Foden 4.5
An ineffective first half through which there have been nonetheless 27 passes, however none of them penetrative or memorable. He existed on the periphery and didn’t beat his full-back as soon as. Even his passing grew to become sloppy. A shadow of the participant who received Premier League Participant of the Yr.
Harry Kane 5.5
The captain had simply two touches within the first half and was nameless. Twice the ball travelled by the six-yard space and also you’d count on him to be there. Bellingham was simpler entering into his area, however he was unfortunate when heading in opposition to the bar and likewise produced an enormous goalmouth block at different finish.
It was Bukayo Saka (proper) who delivered the cross, albeit deflected, that led to England’s purpose
Phil Foden (pictured) struggled to affect the sport and did not beat his opposing full again
England captain, Harry Kane (pictured) additionally underwhelmed having simply two touches within the first half
Substitutes
Conor Gallagher (on for Alexander-Arnold, 69) 6
He was introduced on to assist convey solidity to a midfield that was shedding management and he was extra disciplined than the person he changed. Southgate might now look to begin with Gallagher.
Jarrod Bowen (on for Saka, 76) 6.5
He impacted instantly when beating his man and standing up a cross for Kane to assault, the captain’s header hitting the crossbar. He was vigorous and regarded choice from the bench when it comes to the power he injected.
Kobbie Mainoo (on for Bellingham, 86) N/A
Supervisor – Gareth Southgate 6
The staff he despatched out definitely did what he requested they usually bossed the primary half, taking part in with confidence and management, even when clear-cut possibilities had been too few. However England misplaced that management and the supervisor responded by bringing on Gallagher, which helped. However nonetheless we go away with questions.
Referee – Daniele Orsato 6.5
It took the Italian 38 minutes to supply a card for a foul on Bellingham, and there had been ample alternative to take action earlier. Nonetheless, there have been no errors from the officers and, as the sport went on, Orsato bought to grips with the Serbians. An honest sufficient night.
Southgate might begin Conor Gallagher (centre), after he supplied extra solidity in midfield
Jarrod Bowen (left) got here on within the 76th minute and immediately supplied an injection of tempo
Southgate’s (proper) staff bossed the primary half taking part in with confidence and management however struggled to create clear-cut possibilities
Serbia (3-5-1-1)
Rajkovic 5.5; Veljkovic 6, Milenkovic 6, Pavlovic 5; Zivkovic 5.5, Milinkovic-Savic 7, Gudelj 5 (Illic 45, 5), Lukic 5 (Jovic 61, 5), Kostic 4 (Mladenovic 6 43, 5); Vlahovic 4.5, Mitrovic 4 (Tadic 61, 6.5)
Supervisor: Dragan Stojkovic 5
