Three things we learned as England open Euro 2024 with unconvincing win

Guehi took his chance in the side on Sunday night (Picture: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

England secured the win they needed as they got their Euro 2024 campaign underway with victory against Serbia.

The Three Lions dominated the first-half in Gelsenkirchen with Jude Bellingham superbly opening the scoring after just 13 minutes.

Gareth Southgate’s side laboured in the second period however with Serbia posing plenty of problems.

England continue their group campaign against Denmark on Tuesday night and there will be plenty for the England boss to mull over as his side plot their course to the last 16 of the competition.

Foden’s frustrations continue

Everything good about England on Sunday night was largely epitomised by Bellingham, who enjoyed an all-action performance in the first-half.

Phil Foden by contrast struggled to leave his mark on the game with the Manchester City star showing his frustration in the second period, throwing his arms in the air as his teammates surrendered possession.

An underwhelming night for Foden (Picture: FA via Getty Images)

He was guilty of that himself – with England wilting as the contest wore on, it was Foden’s poor pass played in behind Conor Gallagher that almost allowed Serbia the chance to pounce late on. Anthony Gordon will no doubt have his eye on that role on the left of England’s attack against the Danes.

Guehi steps in Maguire’s absence

The absence of Harry Maguire has been among the biggest talking points during England’s final preparations in Germany. The Manchester United star, having not featured since the end of April, was not deemed fit enough to make the final 26-man squad, a decision that left pressure on Guehi to step up and immediately fill the void.

Bellingham shone in superb second-half (Picture: FA via Getty Images)

Having only returned from a major injury himself in the final weeks of the season, the Crystal Palace star acquitted himself superbly against Serbia.

In a magnificent first-half performance, the 23-year-old completed every pass attempted and won every duel and tackle he was involved in against formidable centre forward opposition in Aleksandr Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic.

Jury still out on Alexander-Arnold in midfield

Joining Declan Rice in midfield, Trent Alexander-Arnold was tasked with pulling the strings deep in midfield, showing promise in that regard early on.

But few would have doubted his ability to do that ahead of kick-off. The questions have been over his positioning, particularly in that unfamiliar role and they will remain after tonight’s showing.

There were a few nervy moments for the Liverpool star with a loose ball almost allowing Mitrovic to pounce in the first-half. As Serbia’s influence in the game grew in the second-half, he was replaced by Conor Gallagher. Against stronger midfield opposition, this evening’s experiment could be scrapped.