Euro 2024, England hold on to beat Serbia 1-0: Stats
England managed to hold on to overcome gritty Serbia 1-0 in their Group C European Championship opener at Veltins Arena. Jude Bellingham scored the only goal of the match in the 13th minute. Serbia had their moments in a rather dull game as Harry Kane struck the post late on. England had a poor second half and Gareth Southgate's men need to work hard.
Massive records for England
England have won their opening game in all four of their major tournaments played under manager Gareth Southgate (EURO 2020, 2024, World Cup 2018, 2022), just one fewer such victory than across their other 23 major tournament appearances (W5 D11 L7). England have kept a clean sheet in each of their last five group stage matches at the Euro finals (longest run in history).
Decoding key unwanted records
As per Opta, Serbia have now lost 10 of their 13 games at major tournaments as an independent nation (W2 D1 World Cup/Euros), going winless in their last six such matches since beating Costa Rica 1-0 at World Cup 2018 (D1 L5). There were just 11 shots between Serbia (6) and England (5), the lowest of any game at Euros on record (since 1980).
Major records made by Bellingham
Bellingham (World Cup 2022 and Euro 2024) became just the second player ever to score at both the World Cup and Euros before turning 21 after Michael Owen. Bellingham is the first European player to make an appearance at three major international tournaments before turning 21 (aged 20 years, 353 days), having played at Euro 2020, World Cup 2022 and Euro 2024.
How did the match pan out?
England were brilliant to start with as they were pressing high and the rotation was good. Bellingham scored with a header from Bukayo Saka's cross. Thereafter, Serbia had a glorious moment but Alexander Mitrovic missed a glorious chance. In the second half, England had a chance in the 78th minute with Kane being denied. Luka Jovic then drew a fine save from Jordan Pickford.
Here are the match stats
England had 0.54 expected goals compared to Serbia's 0.15. The Three Lions had three shots on target to Serbia's one. England had an 89% pass accuracy and 54% ball possession. They clocked 11 touches in the opposition box.
Unique records for the Three Lions
Excluding penalty shoot-outs, England have now lost just one of their last 19 games at the European Championships (W12 D7). England are now unbeaten in their last eight European Championship matches when leading at half-time (W5, D2).
