England hold on to win Euro 2024 opener against dogged Serbia – live reaction

England 1-0 Serbia: REACTION

England have kept a clean sheet in each of their last five group-stage matches at the UEFA European Championship finals,

That is the longest such run in the competition’s history.

The Three Lions had to work hard to keep their lead but they managed to keep Serbia out and claim three points.

England 1-0 Serbia: REACTION

Jude Bellingham is on top form in his post-match interview.

Things just keep getting better for the England superstar as he backed up an incredible domestic season with a winning goal tonight.

He has also picked up the Player of the Match award.

Bellingham was asked what it’s like to be him right now, to which he replied with a smile: “It’s alright, it could be worse!

“Jude Bellingham is made up of amazing people really, it’s not just me who turns up and able to play football and just enjoy it like I do.

“It’s because I have such a great support network, my family, my friends, my teammates here and in Madrid.

“So I’m just so fortunate and the football is the easiest part.”

England 1-0 Serbia: REACTION

England captain Harry Kane has given his thoughts on the Three Lions’ opening game victory.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game, Serbia pose a lot of threats and have some good players,” Kane told the BBC.

“They will make it a battle for you and I think we dealt with it really well. There was a spell in the second half where we got camped in our box and we found it hard to get out but it was an important win tonight.

“It’s a tough game. They are a tough team and have good players. We stood up to it well and it is good to get the three points and [for us] to progress.

“It’s good that we got the win today.”

England 1-0 Serbia: REACTION

So, here’s how Group C looks after Matchday 1!

England’s win puts them top of the table following Denmark and Slovenia’s 1-1 draw earlier today.

A good sight to see after a tense affair in Gelsenkirchen.

England 1-0 Serbia: REACTION

England’s Jude Bellingham (World Cup 2022 and EURO 2024) became just the second player ever to score at both the World Cup and European Championship before turning 21.

He has followed in the footsteps of compatriot Michael Owen (World Cup 1998 and EURO 2000).

Bellingham is also now the first player to score for England at both the World Cup and European Championship while playing his club football outside of England.

England 1-0 Serbia: REACTION

England have won their opening game in all four of their major tournaments played under Gareth Southgate (EURO 2020 and 2024, World Cup 2018 and 2022).

That is just one fewer such victory than across their other 23 major tournament appearances (W5 D11 L7).

Setting off on the right foot once again!