England Fans Celebrate 1-0 Victory Over Serbia

England fans celebrated their team’s 1-0 win over Serbia at the Euro 2024 but many had hoped for more.

A powerful first-half header by Jude Bellingham sent England on the way to a successful launch of their Euro 2024 campaign

Serbia upped their game at the start of the second half after bringing on Ivan Ilic for defensive midfielder Nemanja Gudelj, and before long striker Dusan Vlahovic swept a cross dangerously across England's box, rousing their fans.

But England, with an unfamiliar-looking defense that featured the impressive Marc Guehi, playing in a major tournament for the first time, and right-footed Kieran Trippier standing in as left back, held out for the win. 

England, runners-up in the 2020 edition and seeking to finally win a trophy befitting their vast array of attacking talent, started brilliantly and led after 13 minutes through midfielder Jude Bellingham's superb header.

But they created few chances and allowed Serbia, who were much improved after the break, to play their way back into the Group C game though they rarely threatened an equalizer.

Southgate said England were still a side in transition, without stalwarts like center-back Harry Maguire, who is injured, and midfielder Jordan Henderson, who was left out of the Euros, and with several inexperienced players in the squad.

"Well we knew Serbia with a back five, 5-4-1, it's difficult to create clear chances. So, you have to be patient, you have to show the quality at the right time. And, you know, we defended very well as a unit," he added.

Man of the match Bellingham took issue with the suggestion that England's second-half performance showed a need for improvement, saying they would take the positives from the game.