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.
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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.
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