England 1-0 Serbia: England player ratings as the Three Lions begin Euro 2024 journey with a win
England secured a 1-0 victory against Serbia in their Euro 2024 opener on Sunday (June 16). The East European national team had a solid outing as well and will be impressed with their performance despite falling to defeat.
The Three Lions scored the only goal of the game in the 13th minute as Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham headed in a cross from Bukayo Saka. The 2020 finalists controlled the game after taking the early lead but will be disappointed at scoring only once. Serbia threatened occasionally, but England prevailed.
Gareth Southgate's side will be proud of their performance and hope to build on the win going forward.
England player ratings against Serbia at Euro 2024
Jordan Pickford - 7/10: Had a strong, confident performance against a team he should keep a clean sheet against. The goalkeeper made sure the England team had a solid base to play from.
Kyle Walker - 7.5/10: Walker had a fantastic game and applied pressure on the Serbian left throughout the tie. The Manchester City man's pace and game management made this a comfortable match for him and his teammates.
John Stones- 7/10: The England international had a great game after returning from an injury scare. The Man City center-back helped the Three Lions progress the ball and protected his goalkeeper from any dangerous situations.
Marc Guehi - 7/10: The Crystal Palace defender looked assured in possession and effective in the tackle. He barely set a foot wrong and was vital to the English defensive structure.
Kieran Trippier - 7.5/10: It was another exceptional performance from the English fullback, helping secure the flanks for his nation. The Newcastle man gave a fine account of himself, going forward and tracking back brilliantly to secure his flank.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 7/10: The Liverpool man slipped seamlessly into midfield and was a fine connection between defense and midfield for Gareth Southgate’s side. His availability on the right side of the English midfield helped Walker and Saka enjoy a fantastic showing. The Liverpool man had an error that was nearly punished by Mitrovic, but his blushes were spared.
Declan Rice - 7.5/10: The Arsenal midfielder was flawless in this game, showing the class and quality expected from a player of his ilk. The midfielder was neat with his 96% accurate passing, two interceptions, and 10 recoveries, helping The Three Lions secure victory from the middle of the park.
Bukayo Saka - 7/10: The Gunners winger was decent in the game and provided the assist for the solitary goal in the tie. He took in his man and drew fouls as needed from the opposing players in front of him, getting fouled twice.
Jude Bellingham - 9/10: There was very little the England No. 10 could do better in the game. The Real Madrid star was a level above his opponents on the day and put the icing on the cake with the game's solitary goal.
Phil Foden- 7/10: The Man City star was decent in the game, showing the quality that saw him winning the Player of the Season award last campaign. The forward could have been deadlier, but his link-up play with the midfield allowed his side to dominate the game. Besides a general profligacy on the part of the English, he didn't set a foot wrong.
Harry Kane-7.5/10: The Bayern Munich star did not get a goal but was an important part of the England setup. His ability to link with the midfield and lead the attack from the front was evident and he will be proud of his display despite not scoring.
Substitutes
Connor Gallagher - 6.5/10: Came on for Trent Alexander-Arnold after 69 minutes and helped England see out the game.
Jarrod Bowen-6.5/10: Came on for Saka in the 76th minute and helped keep the Serbian full-backs busy till the final whistle.
Kobbie Mainoo- N/A: Came on in the 86th minute and barely had an influence on the game.