Among the big favorites of the competition, Gareth Southgate’s men begin their EURO this evening against Serbia in Gelsenkirhcen, as part of the second meeting of Group C.
Finalists of the previous edition (against Italy in 2021), the Three Lions begin their tournament this evening at the Arena AufSchalke stadium in Gelsenkirchen (9 p.m.) against Serbia. It is from the outset a real test for Jude Bellingham’s teammates against a Serbian team which did not really shine during qualifying, but which remains difficult to handle when it is not the favorite.
Garteh Southgate’s latest challenge
The English coach, whose contract with the Federation ends in December 2024, today begins his fourth major competition in this position. The balance sheet has even been very satisfactory since he took office in 2016 (Semi-finalist of the World Cup in 2018, finalist of EURO 2021 then quarter-finalist of the Qatari World Cup in 2022). Unfortunately, like any national coach without a major title, he constantly inherits criticism from the media on the playing field, the players chosen and his ability to transcend a squad which has the assets to reach the last level. The last friendly match lost at Wembley against Iceland (0-1) brought many doubts after a brilliant qualifying campaign (20 points out of 24). To hope for a contract extension, Southgate must therefore aim for the much-hoped-for title.
Bellingham, a Ballon d’Or at stake.
Despite the notable absences of Rashford and Grealish, England enters this EURO as one of the three big favorites of the competition. The majority of the starters have acquired the necessary experience of these major events, the old hands like Kane, Stones, Walker as well as the less young ones including Foden, Saka, Rice and Bellingham. The latter, winner of the Champions League a few weeks ago with Real, has not hidden his ambitions for the Ballon d’Or. This requires a flawless performance in Germany and in particular this evening against Serbia. An opponent who has not played in a EURO since the 2000 edition (The Serbs and Montenegrins made up the FR Yugoslavia selection)
Guehi already installed defense
For this entry into the tournament, Southgate should rely on a sharp attack with Harry Kane at the forefront ahead of Fode, Saka and Bellingham. Pickford keeps the goals in front of a four-piece defense where Marc Guehi has already made his mark alongside Walker, Stones and Trippier. The Crystal Palace defender will therefore have to make people forget Harry Maguire, who has been in poor form for several seasons. In midfield, there remains uncertainty between Gallagher and Alexander Arnold to accompany Declan Rice. On the Serbian side, Stojkovic will trust his usual eleven with the Mitrovic-Vlahovic duo in attack. This meeting will be refereed by the experienced Daniele Orsato (Italy)
What probable compositions?
England’s possible XI: Pickford – Walker, Stones, Guéhi, Trippier – Gallagher (Alexander Arnold), Rice, Saka, Bellingham, Foden – Kane
Serbia’s possible XI: Milinkovic-Savic – Milenkovic, Veljkovic, Pavlovic – Zivkovic, S Milinkovic-Savic, Lukic, Kostic, Tadic – Mitrovic, Vlahovic
Which channel to watch the match on?
The match will be broadcast unencrypted on TF1 (match start at 9 p.m.). For those who are subscribers, you can also follow the match on BeinSports which will broadcast the entire competition.
The different coasts
- Betlic: Serbia 7.40/ Draw 4.62/ England 1.44
- Bwin: Serbia 6.50/ Draw 4.20/ England 1.43
- Winamax: Serbia 7.25/ Draw 4.50/ England 1.45
- Unibet: Serbia 7.25/ Draw 4.60/ England 1.44