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 England Take Narrow Victory Over Serbia in Euro 2024 Opener

England got their Euro 2024 campaign off to a winning start with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Serbia in a tense Group C encounter. The Three Lions, heavy favorites coming into the match, controlled possession for large parts of the game but were frustrated by a resolute Serbian defense.

Bellingham's Header Proves Decisive

The only goal of the match came in the first half, courtesy of a well-placed header from England's young star, Jude Bellingham. Kyle Walker found Bukayo Saka with a perfectly timed through ball, and Saka's deflected cross landed right on Bellingham's head at the penalty spot. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder made no mistake, guiding the ball into the top corner with a powerful header that left Serbia's goalkeeper stranded.

England Dominate Possession, Serbia Threaten on Counter

England dominated possession throughout the match, with reports suggesting they held close to 90% at one point. However, Gareth Southgate's men struggled to convert their dominance into clear-cut chances. Their passing was often slow and predictable, allowing Serbia to regroup and defend their penalty area effectively.

On the other hand, Serbia posed a constant threat on the counter-attack. Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic was particularly lively, causing problems for the England backline with his physical presence and hold-up play. He nearly grabbed an equalizer late in the second half but saw his shot fly just wide of the post.

Southgate Praises Team Spirit, Bellingham Reflects on Tough Match

Speaking after the match, England manager Gareth Southgate praised his team's fighting spirit and resilience. "It wasn't an easy game," Southgate acknowledged. "Serbia made it very difficult for us, but the players stuck to the game plan and found a way to win."

Jude Bellingham, who was named Man of the Match for his goal and all-around performance, echoed Southgate's sentiments. "Serbia were a good side," the 20-year-old midfielder said. "They were well-organized and made things difficult for us. But we prepared well for this match, and everyone knew their role. We focused on maintaining our own standards and playing our own game, and thankfully it paid off."

Looking Ahead: England vs. Denmark, Serbia vs. Slovenia

With this victory, England secures top spot in Group C after Matchday 1. They will face Denmark in their next game on Thursday, June 20th, in Frankfurt. Meanwhile, Serbia will look to bounce back from their defeat when they take on Slovenia on the same day in Munich. This group remains wide open, and both England and Serbia will need to improve their performances if they want to secure a place in the knockout stages.