Serbia vs England LIVE RESULT: Jude Bellingham’s solitary strike earns three points but Three Lions far from best
ENGLAND won their opening game of Euro 2024 - but the Three Lions were far from their best against Serbia.
Jude Bellingham powered home a header after just 13 minutes and Gareth Southgate's side were impressive in the first half.
But Serbia were the much better side after the break and England struggled, just about getting over the line after withstanding long periods of pressure.
- Kick-off time: 8pm BST
- Stream/TV: BBC One/iPlayer
Match Stats from Arena AufSchalke
England have now won the opening game in all four of their major tournaments played under Gareth Southgate.
They had only recorded five such victories across their other 23 major tournament appearances (W5 D11 L7).
Lions leaders of the pack
There will undoubtedly be a post-mortem on the performance ahead of Thursday's fixture with Denmark, but England are two points clear at the top of Group C.
And with four third-place teams progressing from the group stage, the result could already be enough to land a spot in the knockout round of 16.
Credit: uefa.com Full time - Serbia 0-1 England
England begin with a win!
It wasn't pretty. It wasn't convincing. It wasn't entertaining. But if football does end up coming home this summer, then nobody will recall the dreariness that made up much of this performance.
Serbia 0-1 England
90+3. Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold share a giggle in the dugout.
If only everyone else was as relaxed and assured as them.
Serbia 0-1 England
90+2. Bowen has blocked a number of passes and crosses since stoppage time started.
Who knew it would be the substitute's defensive work that got England over the line?
Serbia 0-1 England
90. The board goes up to indicate a minimum of four additional minutes.
England are almost there.
Serbia 0-1 England
89. Milinkovic-Savic tries his luck from distance but lacks the accuracy to trouble Pickford.
The England keeper will take his time with his goalkick.
Serbia 0-1 England
88. Stones heads clear an excellent Mladenovic cross from the left.
It goes as far as Harry Kane, but the striker has nowhere to go.
It's going to come straight back at England...
Serbia 0-1 England - England substitution
86. Jude Bellingham departs - but will it be as England's matchwinner?
In his place is the more defence-minded Kobbie Mainoo, who is actually making his competitive debut for England.
Serbia 0-1 England
84. Dragan Stojkovic is giving the fourth official an earful, really just because he can.
He knows that time is ticking away on Serbia.
Serbia 0-1 England
82. Pickford tips over to deny Vlahovic!
Serbia are pushing for an equaliser now, and from the corner Birmancevic thumps a half volley into the ground that bounces up and loops towards goal.
Pickford would probably claim it, but Kane is taking no chances and heads powerfully clear before celebrating his defensive duties.
Serbia 0-1 England
80. Realising that the only alternative is a one-legged Luke Shaw, Trippier is up and able to continue.
Serbia 0-1 England
79. Kieran Trippier goes down with a knock.
Thankfully, this England squad is well stocked with left-backs.
Serbia 0-1 England
77. Kane heads against the bar!
With his first involvement, Bowen gets down the right at steps a cross up to the England captain at the far post, who meets it with a powerful header that cracks against the woodwork.
In fact, it's an excellent save from Predrag Rajkovic. The Serbian goalkeeper got a strong hand on the attempt to push it on to the bar and away.
Serbia 0-1 England - England substitution
76. Here comes Bowen!
The West Ham forward is on for Bukayo Saka for the final quarter of an hour. Let's hope he's on fire.
Serbia 0-1 England - Tadic yellow card
74. Phil Foden is taken out by Dusan Tadic, and the Serbian captain is the second player to go into the book.
On the touchline, Jarrod Bowen is about to come on.
Serbia 0-1 England
73. England are at least seeing more of the ball now which is helping to take the sting out of Serbia's threat if not creating much themselves.
Bellingham is penalised for a foul despite thinking he had successfully rolled past Tadic.
Serbia 0-1 England
71. Inside the final 20 minutes, and it's set up for a typically nervy finish.
And if that wasn't enough to put the fear of God into you, the England band have just started up.
Serbia 0-1 England - England substitution
69. And here comes the change as Conor Gallagher replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The departing Liverpool ace performed well, especially in the opening half hour, but whether Gareth Southgate saw enough to persist remains to be seen.
I suppose it depends if Gallagher can harry, foul and manbun our way to victory or not.
Serbia 0-1 England
67. England finally come forward with Alexander-Arnold, who wins the Three Lions their first corner of the game.
Meanwhile, Conor Gallagher is being readied by the England coaching staff.
Serbia 0-1 England
65. Phil Foden plucks a high ball out of the air inside his own penalty area, but - with no options - thumps in forty yards upfield to safety.
The ball quickly comes back though, and Dusan Tadic almost picks out a teammate in six-yard box space.
Serbia 0-1 England
63. Serbia have been the more attacking, the more confident, the more aggressive, and the more adventurous side in this second half.
Without a change, it feels like an equaliser is coming.
Serbia 0-1 England - Serbia double substitution
61. That penalty appeal was Aleksandar Mitrovic's last contribution of the evening, and he heads off with his former Fulham teammate Sasa Lukic.
On in their places come Dusan Tadic and Luka Jovic.
Dragan Stojkovic has now introduced four substitutes while Gareth Southgate is yet to utilise his bench.
Serbia 0-1 England
59. Panic in the penalty area!
Serbia again open England up on the left wing with Mladenovic aiming for Mitrovic at the near post.
The former Fulham ace rushes to get to the ball before Pickford, only to be cleverly blocked off by Trippier.
The Serbian striker wants a spotkick for his troubles but referee Orsato isn't interested in the protests.
Serbia 0-1 England
57. Marc Guehi has completed all 35 of his passes so far tonight, remaining the only England player with a 100% passing accuracy in this match.
A fine tournament debut for the centre-back.