By William Schomberg and Fernando Kallas.
An early header by Jude Bellingham was enough for England to beat Serbia 1-0 in their Group C opener at the European Championship on Sunday as they ground out a victory from a contest they initially dominated.
England took the lead in the 13th minute when Bellingham burst into the six-yard box to power home a header from a deflected Bukayo Saka cross, finishing off a move that the 20-year-old maestro launched himself deep in midfield.
Gareth Southgate’s side controlled possession but struggled to turn their domination into scoring opportunities against a Serbia side, which defended deep and ended the first half with no goal attempts at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen.
Serbia looked livelier in the second half albeit without creating clear-cut chances and goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic had to make a stunning reflex save that bounced off the crossbar to keep out a Harry Kane close-range header in the 77th minute.
Five minutes later, a fierce Vlahovic shot was tipped over by Jordan Pickford as Serbia kept up the pressure.
But England, with an unfamiliar-looking defence that featured Marc Guehi playing in a major tournament for the first time and right-footed Kieran Trippier standing in as left back, held out for the win.
The result put England top of the group after Denmark and Slovenia drew 1-1 earlier on Sunday. England play Denmark on Thursday when Serbia take on Slovenia.