TODAY is the day England get their Euro 2024 campaign underway in a tasty opening match-up against Serbia.
Gareth Southgate’s hopeful Three Lions side will be looking to go all the way at a major tournament for the first time since 1966, having come closer than ever in recent years.
And it all starts this evening against a Serbia side led by ex-Premier League tormentor Aleksandr Mitrovic.
- Kick-off time: 8pm BST
- Stream/TV: BBC One/iPlayer
- Serbia XI: To follow
- England XI: To follow
Serbia vs England: Get £60 in football free bets for Euro 2024
England team news
Get your early team news right here!
Bukayo Saka is expected to start today’s opener. The Arsenal winger missed the Gunners’ last game of the season with a groin injury but is expected to get the nod.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is also expected to start his first game at a major tournament in six years alongside Declan Rice in midfield, getting the nod over Conor Gallagher.
Captain Kane
Harry Kane is still looking to win his first piece of major silverware after disappointment at Bayern Munich this season.
The only shining light of the German giants’ season was Kane’s goals, with the for Tottenham man scoring 44 goals in 45 games.
“We all want to be remembered to have won a major tournament with England – not just to have had good campaigns – so we know it is something to respect and be proud of, and to keep pushing ourselves,” Kane told BBC Sport.
“If we don’t win, we’re going to be disappointed.
“As much as you can be unlucky and go out on penalties, we really want to win and start winning as a national team because we have been taking steps towards this moment.
“It is going to be tough, we know that, but we’re ready for the challenge.”
Credit: PA Time to deliver
Southgate knows that now is the time for his talented young side to show the world what England fans know they can do.
He said: “We have already seen how Germany and Spain have played.
“There are some exceptional teams here. We have to be exceptional to progress through the group and our main focus is our first game. It is obvious how important that is.
“I’ve been in the job eight years. I understand the landscape.
“Everybody who has been in this job has experienced the same thing. I just try to prepare the team in the best manner possible.”
No pressure, Gareth.
Credit: Getty
Serbia star men
England are shakier than ever in defence and will have Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi making his major tournament debut tonight.
If there’s one thing Serbia needs to exploit, it’s the Three Lions’ back four.
Who better than Aleksandr Mitrovic to ruffle some feathers?
England star men tonight
Serbia should have a lot to fear in England’s ranks tonight, but whether they will is the question.
Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden are expected to flank Harry Kane, with Jude Bellingham behind in the 10.
Ghost of Gelsenkirchen
The stage is set for tonight’s big game between England and Serbia.
The AufSchalke Arena plays host. But this stadium only bears bad memories.
It was back in 2006 at the World Cup where Wayne Rooney was sent off for a stamp in England’s quarter-final against Portugal.
In customary fashion, we went out on penalties.
Hopefully tonight’s opening game stays relatively stress-free.
Credit: Getty Hello and welcome to England vs Serbia
Hello and welcome to SunSport’s live coverage of Serbia vs England at Euro 2024!
Remember, before I get going – it’s the hope that kills you.
We’ve all been here before, but the expectation for England to finally win their first major tournament since 1966 has never been bigger.
From Gazza’s tears to Beckham and Rooney’s red cards, countless penalty shootout heartbreaks and dismal performances alike, it might be time to believe again.
Sandwiched in between World Cup semi-final and quarter-final KOs, Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions suffered at the hands of Italy in a home final at Euro 2020 three years ago.
In what could be Southgate’s final tournament as manager, England will be looking to go all the way with one of the most talented squads at the competition.
They’re favourites for a reason, right?
Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane will be looking to do what their predecessors couldn’t – and where better place to win it all than in Germany.
It all gets going tonight with a tricky first fixture against Serbia. Clashes with Denmark and Slovenia will follow, but a convincing win tonight will really put the country in Believer Fever.
We’ve got you covered for the rest of of the evening right here at SunSport, so kick back with a cold one, order yourself a takeaway and wait for the drama to unfold!
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
