New Delhi: England began their Euro 2024 campaign with Jude Bellingham's first-half header, bagging a 1-0 victory over Serbia.
Started confidently though, England wound up holding on for the win.
This win puts England at the top of Group C after Denmark and Slovenia ended up in a 1-1 draw earlier in the day.
It came about in the 13 minute when Bellingham perfectly met Bukayo Saka's cross, hitting from close range.
The goal helped put England ahead early in the game.
Bellingham worked throughout the game, leading England’s attack alongside whipping up loud cheers from fans at the Arena AufSchalke.
Gareth Southgate's team focused initially on the downright side creating opportunities with Saka working closely with fullback Kyle Walker who frequently raised threat in the first half.
In the second half, Serbia began to be a challenge just as England was struggling to showcase their strength.
As the match concluded, there were only 11 total shots of which Serbia took six and England five, which according to Opta data is ‘the lowest shot tally in a European Championship match since at least 1980.’
When asked if England was a still work in progress, Bellingham reacted saying, "I don't agree with that," adding "I think the first half shows why we can score goals against any team and the second half shows why we can keep a clean sheet against any team."
In the second half Serbia put up a better show with coach Dragan Stojkovic substituting Ivan Ilic for defensive midfielder Nemanja Gudelj.