'Did not play like favourites!' Fans react as England edge out against Serbia in UEFA Euro 2024

England faced Serbia in their first game of the UEFA Euro 2024 on Sunday. The Three Lions have been the favourites to win the tournament this time around. Gareth Southgate side's side started the game exactly the way it needed to be as they scored an early goal with Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham breaking the deadlock for the side after meeting with the deflected cross of Bukayo Saka.

The finalist of the previous edition of the tournament when they lost to Italy in the penalties at Wembley Stadium. Despite scoring early in the game the side looked to lack confidence to put the numbers forward and there was no tactical style of football throughout the game. Serbia was a bit physical during the game and made some 18 fouls in the game made by them. 

The first half was pretty much a decent one with the English footballers struggling to get through the compact defence of Serbia. There was no blocking in the midfield and snatching in the middle of the park. With Trent Alexander Arnold and Declan Rice started as the holding midfielders for the game, but both failed to control the middle area and block the attacks of Serbia.

Serbia gives tough fight against England

In the second half, the Eagles looked better and tried creating some chances in the game which did create some problems in England's defence. An incident occurred after the Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic was brought down inside the box after being tripped by Kieran Trippier, but no penalty was awarded to the side. Dusan Tadic after coming on looked threatening as one of his passes was not picked by Luka Jovic. 

Soon the three lions tried to hit back at the counter-attack but Harry Kane's head was saved by Predrag Rajkovic and then came back hitting the post. As the game went on it became a bit more rough with tired leg, Jordan Pickford who was merely tested made one amazing save of a shot from Dusan Vlahovic from outside the box.