England suffered, but beat Serbia 1-0 in their debut at Euro 2024 :: Olé

Debuts are never easy and that’s how he suffered England at its premiere in Euro 2024. The team led by Gareth Southgate is one of the clear candidates for the title and this Sunday they played their first match in the continental competition against Serbia. It was a 1-0 victory, although the process of the match did not do the game much justice: It was a highly contested match that was defined by the notorious difference in hierarchy.

The Three Lions had just suffered a tough blow in the friendly prior to this match: they lost 1-0 to Iceland at Wembley, a result that left their coach on a tightrope. For this reason, the debut in the Euro was a test of character for the English, who were obliged to achieve victory to appease criticism. Luckily for Southgate, this objective was achieved, but without the brilliance expected of a team of this level.

The match began with England taking control of the ball but not creating any situations. He only had one clear chance and it was the play that opened the scoring: good overflow from Saka and cross for Bellingham, who won with a header and put it close to the post for the British 1-0. The Real Madrid midfielder, an absolute figure this season, was one of the high points of the English team: he was the one who caused the most danger and his presence in the area was always a threat to rival defenders. Today was his fourth cry in 30 presentations with his teamalthough after his great record with Merengue (23 goals in 42 games), it is to be expected that the 20-year-old will continue to convert in this Euro.

Far from benefiting from the opening of the score, Belli’s goal made the British rest on their laurels. Since then, Southgate’s men retreated and never attacked with many people, although they did not come out badly on any occasion either. Thus the minutes were consumed – little by little – with no great opportunities for either team.

However, the film almost had an unexpected ending. After a Kane header in the 75th minute that almost made it 2-0 (that the crossbar prevented the arch from falling), It was all from Serbia. First, with a mid-range shot that forced a great intervention from Pickford. And then, with a volley from Birmancevic after a corner that was cleared, the defense cleared it in the six-yard box.

However, the Balkans could not get that goal that would allow them to equalize the score. A weak England, who ended up asking for time, took the victory due to that solitary opportunity that Bellingham capitalized on 12 minutes into the game.. Beyond the joy of the victory, the islanders will have to improve a lot if they want to assert their status as favorites for the title.

The British’s next match will be on Thursday, June 20, the day in which they will face a Denmark that has just drawn 1-1 with Slovenia on the first date. By then, England will have to improve its image if it wants to achieve a victory that ensures qualification for the next round…