Postpublished at 19:54 British Summer Time 16 June
Serbia v England (20:00 BST)
IT'S TIME!
The players are lining up in the tunnel.
Strap yourselves in. This is about to get serious.
Image source, Getty ImagesSummary
England begin Euro 2024 campaign with victory over Serbia
'He writes his own script' - Southgate on Bellingham plus more reaction
Victory puts England top of Group C after Denmark and Slovenia drew earlier on Saturday
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Postpublished at 19:54 British Summer Time 16 June
Image source, Getty ImagesPostpublished at 19:53 British Summer Time 16 June
Serbia v England (20:00 BST)
Cesc Fabregas has just said on BBC One he is going for a 3-0 England win.
Good man.
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 19:52 British Summer Time 16 June
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Brad: Is this the first time England have played a tournament match without a Man Utd, Spurs or Chelsea player starting?
Craig: People are forgetting TAA has played in the biggest club games. The first game of the Euros is a lot of pressure and we need to start with players who can handle it, then bring the rest on later.
Matthew: have high expectations for England. The runners up of Euro 2020 have my full support. Denmark are no pushovers too, we barely beat them last time.
'Serbia are happy to not have the ball'published at 19:51 British Summer Time 16 June
Serbia v England (20:00 BST)
Matthew Upson
Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 LiveSerbia are comfortable not having the ball, they scored three goals against Sweden a few days ago only having 36% possession - they are quite happy to not have the ball.
'Do not underestimate this Serbia team'published at 19:50 British Summer Time 16 June
Serbia v England (20:00 BST)
Cesc Fabregas
Former Spain midfielder on BBC OneDusan Tadic is the link man between the midfield and the forwards for Serbia, so to leave him out is very deliberate. It is clear that they will look to go long to Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic and play off them to get towards the box. Do not underestimate this team because individually they have players that have played at the very top level.
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 19:49 British Summer Time 16 June
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BaggiosPonytail: To win a tournament you are going to need to beat at least one top team. The reality is despite reaching the latter stages of the last few tournaments England haven't beaten a top team when it matters. That would have to change if they are to be victorious.
'Pickford exceptional in high pressure moments'published at 19:48 British Summer Time 16 June
Serbia v England (20:00 BST)
Joe Hart
Former England goalkeeper on BBC OneJordan Pickford has been exceptional in the high pressure and high profile moments at major tournaments for England. His temperament is fantastic, he is always calm and composed when he needs to be.
'A surprise that Tadic is benched'published at 19:47 British Summer Time 16 June
Serbia v England (20:00 BST)
Lukas Vrablik
Eastern European football journalist on BBC Radio 5 LiveIt is a surprise that Dusan Tadic has been benched as he's been the creative force of this team for the past few years.
It will be tough to play without him, but Dragan Stojkovic has made this choice and it could be really bad for Serbia as Stojkovic will be criticised if it doesn't work.
Image source, Getty ImagesPostpublished at 19:46 British Summer Time 16 June
Serbia v England (20:00 BST)
There are no Manchester United, Tottenham or Chelsea players in England's starting XI.
Postpublished at 19:45 British Summer Time 16 June
Serbia v England (20:00 BST)
EnglandMarc Guehi becomes the second Crystal Palace player to make an appearance for England at the Euros, after Kenny Sansom at Euro 1980.
'Alexander-Arnold will have freedom to go forward'published at 19:43 British Summer Time 16 June
Serbia v England (20:00 BST)
Rio Ferdinand
Former England defender on BBC One
Image source, Getty ImagesWe've always said that Gareth Southgate has been cautious because he has played two holding, defensive players in the base of the midfield, and they weren't allowed to go and be free up the field. Trent Alexander-Arnold will have that freedom to go and get forward and there is a confidence and belief among the squad.
The Hardest Geezer backs Englandpublished at 19:42 British Summer Time 16 June
Serbia v England (20:00 BST)
Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer in GelsenkirchenAfter Novak Djokovic comes England response. And it's "The Hardest Geezer" Russell Cook.
He set off on the 352-mile (566km) journey from Wembley Stadium at 15:30 BST on Tuesday, with the aim of arriving to see tonight's game between England and Serbia
Not seen him with my own eyes but assume he's made it..
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 19:41 British Summer Time 16 June
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Jdp1982: We were a penalty shootout away from winning the last Euros. If you don't like Southgate fine, but the narrative around him is borderline insane.
'A midfield trio fans can be excited about'published at 19:40 British Summer Time 16 June
Serbia v England (20:00 BST)
EnglandEngland midfielder Declan Rice, speaking to BBC One about being paired with Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield: "I think you will see a different side to him [Trent] tonight. He is ready and raring to go. Not a lot of people see this but he has so much energy and enthusiasm in midfield. He loves to get about the midfield, I will be speaking to him to make sure we keep disciplined in there. I think it is a midfield trio fans can be excited about.
Image source, Getty ImagesPostpublished at 19:39 British Summer Time 16 June
Serbia v England (20:00 BST)
EnglandEvery single player in this England squad has overcome some sort of anguish, torment or personal dilemma to get here.
John Stones has gone from fearing he would be released by Barnsley to appearing for his country at a FIFTH major tournament.
Meanwhile, Conor Gallagher - who is on the bench - was having minor heart surgery when Gareth Southgate was taking charge of England at a major tournament for the first time in 2018.
And what about Harry Kane, England’s undroppable captain?
Since THAT agonising penalty miss against France in the World Cup quarter-final in Qatar, Kane has stepped up to score his last 15 spot-kicks.
#Nevergiveup
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 19:37 British Summer Time 16 June
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Esperanza: I support England. I support Southgate. Just that simple.
Novak lends supportpublished at 19:36 British Summer Time 16 June
Serbia v England (20:00 BST)
Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer in GelsenkirchenMessage from the great Novak Djokovic on the big screens in support of Serbia. It gets exactly the reaction you would expect from their supporters.
get involved How far will England go?published at 19:35 British Summer Time 16 June
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Markyp1965: England do have a great chance of winning these Euros, and I would expect them to reach the semi-finals at least. When going forward, they are capable of troubling anyone, but I still have reservations about their defensive capabilities, particularly against stronger nations. Unlike some England fans, I want Southgate to lead them to success, so he and his players will have my support.
'Stop the ball before it gets to Mitrovic'published at 19:34 British Summer Time 16 June
Serbia v England (20:00 BST)
Alan Shearer
Former England and Newcastle striker on BBC OneAleksandr Mitrovic wants and demands crosses, and he will want to fight you in the box. So for the England defence they need to stop the ball before it gets in there. That is their strength and England need to shut it down.
Image source, Getty Images'Bellingham the superstar'published at 19:32 British Summer Time 16 June
Serbia v England (20:00 BST)
Alex Howell
BBC football news reporter with the England campThere has been a lot of fanfare around Jude Bellingham this week. He has gone to another level and he is pretty much a superstar.
There was one family I spoke to whose daughter had painted a massive canvas of Jude Bellingham and bought a Real Madrid shirt just to hold up when the England team bus went past.
Highlights: England 1-0 Serbia
Jude Bellingham inspired England to the start they wanted at Euro 2024 with the winning goal and a stunning individual performance in the victory over Serbia in Gelsenkirchen.
Bellingham's dream season – which brought him a Champions League triumph at the end of his first campaign with Real Madrid – continued as he demonstrated exactly why he is regarded as England's new superstar.
The 20-year-old powered on to the end of Bukayo Saka's deflected cross with a magnificent header after 13 minutes as Gareth Southgate's side were rewarded for an impressive opening.
England, who started with Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield, fell back into old habits after the break as they sat back, their reduced intensity allowing Serbia to apply pressure. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made an important late save from Dusan Vlahovic.
Harry Kane came close to adding a second for England when he saw a header from substitute Jarrod Bowen's cross superbly touched on to the bar by Serbia keeper Predrag Rajkovic.
England will need to improve, but this was at least a result that will send them into their second Group C game against Denmark on Thursday in good heart.
- Published16 June
- Published16 June
- Published17 June
Bellingham justifies the hype
'Jude is an unbelievable player' - Kane reacts to victory against Serbia
Bellingham's imperious display, mixing glorious natural talent with an air of quality and arrogance, was a graphic illustration of why he carries so much of England's hope for this next month on his young shoulders.
The former Birmingham and Borussia Dortmund player shows astonishing maturity for one so young, bolstered by a season in which he took Spain by storm – and England are the beneficiaries as they look to end a sequence of falling short at major tournaments.
He showed power and conviction to score that stunning header, while his composure on the ball even in the tightest situations was a powerful and potent weapon for Southgate's team.
Bellingham relishes the freedom the number 10 role gives him, offering him licence to exert influence all over the pitch as the fulcrum of this England side.
He departed late on to a standing ovation from the England fans who have made him their new idol, relishing the sight of him performing his trademark arms-outstretched celebration in front of supporters at one end after his goal before running to the centre circle to whip up England's followers at the other.
Bellingham was even seen smiling on the big screens as he sat relaxed in the dugout in the closing seconds after another high point in his stunning year.
England and Southgate will now hope for more from their talisman as the Euro 2024 campaign progresses in Germany.
England leave room for improvement
'Sloppy' England have to work on mentality - Richards
Winning was exactly what manager Southgate wanted, but this was far from perfect as England made hard work of putting away a workmanlike but uninspiring Serbia.
The Euro 2020 runners-up looked on course to comfortably dispatch Serbia after getting that early lead but, as so often has been the case in the past, there was a drop-off after half-time that encouraged their opponents, Pickford coming to the rescue.
England had major positives in the performances of Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, who looked refreshed and particularly dangerous in the first half, while Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi did everything required as John Stones' new partner.
Southgate was insistent starting with three points was paramount in the group. The objective was achieved but not without leaving the manager issues to pore over before England play Denmark.
Alexander-Arnold showed how he can add an extra attacking dimension in midfield, but he also conceded possession in dangerous territory, particularly when Aleksandar Mitrovic shot narrowly wide in the first half.
England's left side of Kieran Trippier and Phil Foden did not function anywhere near expectation. Foden, a player who performed so superbly in Manchester City's Premier League title win, was an unusually peripheral figure.
For now, the win will satisfy Southgate, but there is plenty to work on.
Player of the match
Number: 10 J. Bellingham
Average rating 8.22
Number: 10 D. Tadić
Average Rating: 6.34Number: 1 P. Rajković
Average Rating: 6.28Number: 7 D. Vlahović
Average Rating: 6.00Number: 4 N. Milenković
Average Rating: 5.92Number: 20 S. Milinković-Savić
Average Rating: 5.87Number: 2 S. Pavlović
Average Rating: 5.81Number: 17 I. Ilić
Average Rating: 5.75Number: 13 M. Veljković
Average Rating: 5.73Number: 8 L. Jović
Average Rating: 5.68Number: 9 A. Mitrović
Average Rating: 5.67Number: 22 S. Lukić
Average Rating: 5.66Number: 14 A. Živković
Average Rating: 5.60Number: 25 F. Mladenović
Average Rating: 5.59Number: 26 V. Birmančević
Average Rating: 5.59Number: 11 F. Kostić
Average Rating: 5.49Number: 6 N. Gudelj
Average Rating: 5.48Number: 10 J. Bellingham
Average Rating: 8.22Number: 7 B. Saka
Average Rating: 7.20Number: 1 J. Pickford
Average Rating: 6.99Number: 4 D. Rice
Average Rating: 6.98Number: 6 M. Guéhi
Average Rating: 6.81Number: 2 K. Walker
Average Rating: 6.56Number: 20 J. Bowen
Average Rating: 6.55Number: 5 J. Stones
Average Rating: 6.38Number: 16 C. Gallagher
Average Rating: 6.13Number: 12 K. Trippier
Average Rating: 6.04Number: 8 T. Alexander-Arnold
Average Rating: 5.84Number: 26 K. Mainoo
Average Rating: 5.47Number: 9 H. Kane
Average Rating: 5.41Number: 11 P. Foden
Average Rating: 4.65After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
Related topics
- Published16 June
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- Published22 May
UEFA European Championship Scores & Fixtures
UEFA European Championship Table
On Sunday 16th June
Skip to table key
Match Participants:
Group A
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
| |
| 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 0 |
|
Group B
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
| |
| 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
|
- England, Position 1, Points 3
- Serbia, Position 4, Points 0
Group C
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
|
Group D
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| |
| 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
|
Group E
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| |
| 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
Group F
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| |
| 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
Key
- Position 1 - 2 : 8th Finals
- Position 3 : Possible 8th Finals
Team Lineups
home team, Serbia
Manager: Dragan Stojkovic
Formation: 3 - 4 - 2 - 1
Pitch Formation
1, Rajkovic, Goalkeeper
13, Veljkovic, Defender
4, Milenkovic, Defender
2, Pavlovic, Defender
14, Zivkovic, Midfielder
22, Lukic, Midfielder
6, Gudelj, Midfielder
11, Kostic, Midfielder
7, Vlahovic, Attacking Midfielder
20, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Attacking Midfielder
9, Mitrovic, Striker
Starting lineup
- Number 1, P. Rajković
- Number 2, S. Pavlović
- Number 4, N. Milenković
- Number 13, M. Veljković
- Number 11, F. Kostić , substituted for F. Mladenović at 43 minutes
- Number 6, N. Gudelj , Yellow Card at 39 minutes, substituted for I. Ilić at 46 minutes
- Number 22, S. Lukić , substituted for L. Jović at 61 minutes
- Number 14, A. Živković , substituted for V. Birmančević at 74 minutes
- Number 20, S. Milinković-Savić
- Number 7, D. Vlahović
- Number 9, A. Mitrović , Captain, substituted for D. Tadić at 61 minutes
Substitutes
home team, Serbia
- Number 15, S. Babić
- Number 26, V. Birmančević
- Number 21, M. Gaćinović
- Number 17, I. Ilić
- Number 8, L. Jović
- Number 5, N. Maksimović
- Number 16, S. Mijailović
- Number 23, V. Milinković-Savić
- Number 25, F. Mladenović
- Number 12, Đ. Petrović
- Number 18, P. Ratkov
- Number 19, L. Samardžić
- Number 24, U. Spajić
- Number 3, N. Stojić
- Number 10, D. Tadić , Yellow Card at 75 minutes
away team, England
Manager: Gareth Southgate
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Pitch Formation
1, Pickford, Goalkeeper
2, Walker, Defender
5, Stones, Defender
6, Guéhi, Defender
12, Trippier, Defender
8, Alexander-Arnold, Defensive Midfielder
4, Rice, Defensive Midfielder
7, Saka, Attacking Midfielder
10, Bellingham, Attacking Midfielder
11, Foden, Attacking Midfielder
9, Kane, Striker
Starting lineup
- Number 1, J. Pickford
- Number 12, K. Trippier
- Number 6, M. Guéhi
- Number 5, J. Stones
- Number 2, K. Walker
- Number 4, D. Rice
- Number 8, T. Alexander-Arnold , substituted for C. Gallagher at 69 minutes
- Number 11, P. Foden
- Number 10, J. Bellingham , substituted for K. Mainoo at 86 minutes
- Number 7, B. Saka , substituted for J. Bowen at 76 minutes
- Number 9, H. Kane , Captain
away team, England
- Number 20, J. Bowen
- Number 15, L. Dunk
- Number 21, E. Eze
- Number 16, C. Gallagher
- Number 22, J. Gomez
- Number 18, A. Gordon
- Number 23, D. Henderson
- Number 14, E. Konsa
- Number 26, K. Mainoo
- Number 24, C. Palmer
- Number 13, A. Ramsdale
- Number 3, L. Shaw
- Number 17, I. Toney
- Number 19, O. Watkins
- Number 25, A. Wharton
home team, Serbia
Manager: Dragan Stojkovic
Formation: 3 - 4 - 2 - 1
Pitch Formation
1, Rajkovic, Goalkeeper
13, Veljkovic, Defender
4, Milenkovic, Defender
2, Pavlovic, Defender
14, Zivkovic, Midfielder
22, Lukic, Midfielder
6, Gudelj, Midfielder
11, Kostic, Midfielder
7, Vlahovic, Attacking Midfielder
20, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Attacking Midfielder
9, Mitrovic, Striker
Starting lineup
- Number 1, P. Rajković
- Number 2, S. Pavlović
- Number 4, N. Milenković
- Number 13, M. Veljković
- Number 11, F. Kostić , substituted for F. Mladenović at 43 minutes
- Number 6, N. Gudelj , Yellow Card at 39 minutes, substituted for I. Ilić at 46 minutes
- Number 22, S. Lukić , substituted for L. Jović at 61 minutes
- Number 14, A. Živković , substituted for V. Birmančević at 74 minutes
- Number 20, S. Milinković-Savić
- Number 7, D. Vlahović
- Number 9, A. Mitrović , Captain, substituted for D. Tadić at 61 minutes
Substitutes
- Number 15, S. Babić
- Number 26, V. Birmančević
- Number 21, M. Gaćinović
- Number 17, I. Ilić
- Number 8, L. Jović
- Number 5, N. Maksimović
- Number 16, S. Mijailović
- Number 23, V. Milinković-Savić
- Number 25, F. Mladenović
- Number 12, Đ. Petrović
- Number 18, P. Ratkov
- Number 19, L. Samardžić
- Number 24, U. Spajić
- Number 3, N. Stojić
- Number 10, D. Tadić , Yellow Card at 75 minutes
away team, England
Manager: Gareth Southgate
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Pitch Formation
1, Pickford, Goalkeeper
2, Walker, Defender
5, Stones, Defender
6, Guéhi, Defender
12, Trippier, Defender
8, Alexander-Arnold, Defensive Midfielder
4, Rice, Defensive Midfielder
7, Saka, Attacking Midfielder
10, Bellingham, Attacking Midfielder
11, Foden, Attacking Midfielder
9, Kane, Striker
Starting lineup
- Number 1, J. Pickford
- Number 12, K. Trippier
- Number 6, M. Guéhi
- Number 5, J. Stones
- Number 2, K. Walker
- Number 4, D. Rice
- Number 8, T. Alexander-Arnold , substituted for C. Gallagher at 69 minutes
- Number 11, P. Foden
- Number 10, J. Bellingham , substituted for K. Mainoo at 86 minutes
- Number 7, B. Saka , substituted for J. Bowen at 76 minutes
- Number 9, H. Kane , Captain
Substitutes
- Number 20, J. Bowen
- Number 15, L. Dunk
- Number 21, E. Eze
- Number 16, C. Gallagher
- Number 22, J. Gomez
- Number 18, A. Gordon
- Number 23, D. Henderson
- Number 14, E. Konsa
- Number 26, K. Mainoo
- Number 24, C. Palmer
- Number 13, A. Ramsdale
- Number 3, L. Shaw
- Number 17, I. Toney
- Number 19, O. Watkins
- Number 25, A. Wharton
- Referee:
- Daniele Orsato
- Video Assistant Referee:
- Massimiliano Irrati
- Assistant Referee 1:
- Ciro Carbone
- Assistant Referee 2:
- Alessandro Giallatini
- Fourth Official:
- Ivan Kruzliak
- Assistant VAR Official:
- Paolo Valeri
Match Officials
Match Stats
Key, Serbia v EnglandOverall Possession
Shots
Serbia 6England 5Shots on target
Serbia 1England 3Shots off target
Serbia 2England 1Blocked shots
Serbia 3England 1Total touches in the box
Serbia 11England 12Goalkeeper saves
Serbia 2England 1Fouls
Serbia 19England 8Corners
Serbia 2England 1Season so far
UEFA European Championship
Key, Serbia v England
Goals scored
Serbia 1England 8Goals conceded
Serbia 2England 6Shots
Serbia 14England 50Shots on target
Serbia 6England 25Shots off target
Serbia 8England 25Blocked shots
Serbia 12England 26Passing accuracy %
Serbia 85.58England 88.99Form guide
All competitions
Serbia won
v Sweden
0
3
Friendlies
England lose
v Iceland
0
1
Friendlies
Serbia lose
v Austria
2
1
Friendlies
England won
v Bosnia-Herzegovina
3
0
Friendlies
Serbia won
v Cyprus
0
1
Friendlies
England draw
v Belgium
2
2
Friendlies
Serbia lose
v Football Union of Russia
4
0
Friendlies
England lose
v Brazil
0
1
Friendlies
Serbia draw
v Bulgaria
2
2
UEFA European Championship Qualifiers
England draw
v North Macedonia
1
1
UEFA European Championship Qualifiers
Previous meetings
All competitions
Serbia and EnglandSerbia Won 0England Won 1Draw 0
Played
1
Previous scores
All competitions
Friendlies
England 2 , Serbia 1 on the 2nd of June 2003
England
Serbia
2nd of June 2003
- Skip back to previous scores
- Skip back to previous meetings
- Skip back to form guide
- Skip back to season so far
Match Facts
This will be England and Serbia’s first encounter since the latter re-emerged as an independent state in 2006. In fact, since the breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, England have only faced Serbia and Montenegro once in 2003, winning 2-1 in an international friendly.
England are unbeaten in their last six matches against Serbia/Yugoslavia, winning each of their last four. Their last defeat was against Yugoslavia in the semi-finals of EURO 1968.
As an independent nation, Serbia have qualified for a UEFA EURO tournament for the first time. They competed as Yugoslavia and FR Yugoslavia in five editions previously, finishing as runners-up on two occasions in 1960 and 1968.
Serbia’s most recent UEFA EURO finals appearance was in 2000 as FR Yugoslavia, reaching the quarter-finals before losing 6-1 to the Netherlands. It remains the only time a nation has conceded six goals in a UEFA EURO match.
33% of Serbia’s goals in UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying were headers (5 out of 15), the highest ratio amongst any team that have reached the finals in Germany.
England are taking part in their 11th UEFA European Championship – no team has played as many games in the tournament without ever winning it (38 matches).
Penalty shoot-outs excluded, England have lost only one of their last 18 games at the European Championship (W10 D7) – it was against Iceland in the round of 16 of the 2016 edition (1-2).
England topped their UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying group with 20 points, six ahead of Italy in second place, winning six and drawing two games. It is the eighth consecutive major qualifying group they have finished in first place, since failing to qualify for EURO 2008 after coming third in that qualifying campaign.
No European player has scored more goals than England’s Harry Kane across the last three major international tournaments, 12 in total (6 at WC 2018, 4 at EURO 2020, 2 at WC 2022). The only other player to match that tally is France’s Kylian Mbappé.
Head-coach Gareth Southgate will be leading England at a fourth major tournament after World Cup 2018 (4th place), EURO 2020 (2nd) and World Cup 2022 (quarter-finalists). At Euro 1996, he was one of only three England players to play all 510 minutes alongside David Seaman and Tony Adams – he missed a penalty in the semi-final shoot-out against Germany.
Current head-coach Dragan Stojković has made the most appearances of any Serbian player at the UEFA EURO finals, playing seven times across the 1984 and 2000 tournaments for Yugoslavia, scoring once.