JUDE Bellingham's brilliant header saw England start their quest for European Championship glory with a hard-fought victory against Serbia last night.
Three years on from their heartbreaking Wembley final defeat to Italy, the road to Berlin began with a tricky Group C opener in Gelsenkirchen.
But Gareth Southgate's side passed their first Euro 2024 assignment as England held firm on a night when Bellingham's thunderous early header proved enough to beat Serbia 1-0.
The result puts them top of Group C after Denmark were held to a 1-1 draw by Slovenia ahead of the Euro 2020 semi-finalists going toe-to-toe again in Frankfurt on Thursday.
England flew out the blocks at the Veltins Arena and looked ready to put in a statement performance after Bellingham powerfully Saka's headed home Bukayo deflected cross in the 13th minute.
But unlike fellow Euro 2024 contenders Germany and Spain they were unable to put their opponents away as Serbia's physicality and nous saw them wrest control after the break.
England managed to keep the Balkan outfit at bay and Harry Kane saw a late header saved onto the bar, but improvements are needed moving forwards.
This story is from the June 17, 2024 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 17, 2024 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
TRASH TALK!
STRIKER SLAMS TALKS WITH AGENCY OVER UNITED MOVE AS ‘RIDICULOUS'
CHARITY BOSS SLAMS CUTS AS 'DISGRACEFUL'
ASSOCIATION of Former Manchester United Players (AFMUP) trustee, Jim Elms, has called United's decision to reduce funding 'disgraceful' and disclosed the details of his conversation with Omar Berrada.
Amad free to talk to other clubs as United stalling on extending contract
SIX United players are now free to negotiate pre-contract agreements with overseas clubs.
Amorim fronts up to possibility of relegation fight
UNITED are facing the unthinkable prospect of a relegation battle under Ruben Amorim in 2025.
'Amorim needs a war chest but impoverished Reds don't have a pot
ANOTHER January and United find themselves in need of a white knight to come galloping in.
City have to make big calls on both incomings and outgoings at club
JANUARY 1 heralds the opening of the winter transfer window and attention turns to who could join City to help them out of their injury crisis.
New year will prove pivotal in club history
HUGE 12 MONTHS AHEAD FOR BLUES BOTH ON AND OFF THE PITCH...
Pep expects kids to stay in January
WHILE January could be a busier transfer window than usual in 2025 as far as new signings are concerned, the same issues that have forced City's hand for incomings mean there may be caution for any players leaving the Etihad.
Salford up to third after win
SALFORD climbed up to third place in the League Two standings after beating struggling Harrogate 2-0 to earn a club-record fifth consecutive win in the EFL.
Mac pounces to give County a vital home point
MACAULEY Southam-Hales headed in a 78th-minute equaliser to earn Stockport a 1-1 draw at home to Birmingham.
