England kick off Euro 2024 with Serbia win

Image source, REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Image caption, Real Madrid player Jude Bellingham scored the winning and only goal of the game

England kickstarted their campaign to reach the final of the European Championship with a win against Serbia on Sunday.

Millions of fans tuned in to watch the teams in their opening group match in Gelsenkirchen.

Man of the Match Jude Bellingham's early goal ensured it was a 1- 0 win for the Three Lions in Germany.

Read on to find out what happened and who England play next.

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Image source, Adam Davy/PA Wire

Image caption, Jude Bellingham's header was the only goal of the match

England took the lead in the 13th minute of the game with a header from Jude Bellingham.

The 20-year-old's goal ending up the only one of the game after a save by Serbia's keeper, Predrag Rajkovic, stopped Harry Kane taking England 2-0 up.

But with the win securing them three points manager Gareth Southgate insisted it was what was needed in the opening match.

Southgate said: "We had to suffer a bit which I think is really good for us. I think to defend the box the way we did was really good for us."

Image source, REUTERS/John Sibley

Image caption, First win secured, now questions are being asked about how England can improve for the coming group games

With the first game in hand England players, fans and commentators all have opinions on what the team needs to do in following matches.

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand, said on 大象传媒 Sport "As a team England need to really look at how they want to see games out. There are different ways to do it."

The side know they up their game in the next stages according to England midfielder Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Speaking after the game he said: "We know we need to improve in the tournament. Things to learn but also things we can look at and be happy with."

Image source, Reuters/Andrew Boyers

Image caption, Fans gathered across the country to watch the match

And on social media fans watching across the country agreed.

"I really enjoyed the game. I expected more. It's 1-0. A win is a win, but I enjoyed the first game. They'll grow into it."

England next play Denmark on Thursday before they then face Slovenia on 25 June to progress from the group stages.

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