Jude Bellingham’s 13th-minute header was enough to give England all three points in their opening game of Euro 2024, as Gareth Southgate’s side found themselves on the ropes during the latter stages
Day four of Euro 2024 is here, with England’s opening game now behind us.
A header from Jude Bellingham in the 13th minute gave the Three Lions a crucial 1-0 victory over Serbia, who threatened to equalise amid a wave of late pressure. Gareth Southgate’s side stood firm, though, and are now top of Group C after Slovenia and Denmark played out a 1-1 draw earlier on Sunday.
There was also a tight contest in Group D, as the Netherlands needed an 83rd-minute winner from substitute Wout Weghorst to beat a spirited Poland, who took a first-half lead in Hamburg. Monday will see another triple-header of games, with Romania taking on Ukraine, Belgium playing Slovakia and many people’s favourites, France, facing Austria.
Romania kicked off the day with an impressive 3-0 win over Ukraine. Stay tuned to Mirror Football for reaction to England’s win, plus team news and build-up ahead of Monday’s fixtures.
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18:424 mins agoJohn Cross
UEFA investigate alleged monkey chants
UEFA have launched an investigation after reports of monkey chants being made towards England players.‌
European football’s governing body had match observers stationed in the stadium during England’s 1-0 win on Sunday night and one Serbian fan was allegedly spotted and heard making the chants. The fan was not arrested or removed on the night despite stewards and police being present, but UEFA are now looking into it.
The English FA was not asked by any of the players to make a complaint and they have not contacted UEFA about the matter. Serbian FA chiefs are likely to face a fine if the allegation is proven.‌
18:415 mins agoFelix Keith
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia
Belgium are still chasing an equaliser, but they’ve only got 10 minutes of normal time left now.
Romelu Lukaku has seen one goal ruled out by VAR for offside and has missed two other presentable opportunities.
18:0046 mins agoKey Event
UEFA open disciplinary proceedings against Serbia
UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against the Serbian FA after their 1-0 defeat to England.
The Three Lions won on Sunday evening thanks to Jude Bellingham’s early header. Away from the pitch, UEFA have taken action following a couple of incidents.
A statement from UEFA on Monday read: “Disciplinary proceedings have been instigated in accordance with Article 55 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR) following the UEFA European Championship group stage match between Serbia and England (0-1) played on 16 June 2024 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.
“Charges against Football Association of Serbia (FSS): Throwing of objects, Art. 16(2)(b) DR, Transmitting a provocative message unfit for a sports event, Art. 16(2)(e) DR. The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) will decide on the matter in due course. Furthermore, an UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding alleged discriminatory behaviour.”
17:5155 mins agoFelix Keith
Half-time: Belgium 0-1 Slovakia
A nightmare half for Belgium, who have missed some great chances and conceded an avoidable goal at the other end.
17:46Felix Keith
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia
Romelu Lukaku has just wasted another glorious chance for Belgium. Played through by Yannick Carrasco, he failed to get the ball under control and couldn’t beat Martin Dubravka.
17:09Felix Keith
GOAL! Belgium 0-1 Slovakia
Belgium have spurned two chances and they’ve now been punished!
Ivan Schranz smashes in a rebound after Belgium cough up possession by their own corner flag. Cat amongst the pigeons!
17:02Felix Keith
Kick off: Belgium vs Slovakia
We’re underway in the Group E fixture.
16:54John Cross
Trent hopeful of continuing midfield role
Trent Alexander-Arnold hopes he did enough to convince Gareth Southgate in his midfield role.
Liverpool full back Alexander-Arnold says he has put huge work on the training ground with Southgate and his assistant Steve Holland to make the midfield experiment work. Alexander-Arnold said: “The manager, Steve Holland and I have put a lot of work into this position, so I was well prepared and I knew what was asked of me. Hopefully they felt like I executed it, as we got the win at the end of the day.
“I found it good. It was physically demanding but when you play with the likes of Declan and Jude and with an experienced back four behind you, who communicate excellently, they talk you through the game, so it’s hard to go wrong. I’m happy we got the win. That was the objective for us, as it’s very important to start the tournament with a win. We knew we had the players and the squad to win the game and we proved that.
“Let’s keep the momentum. It was the first game, so let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We know we earned today and we worked hard for it, so we’ll feel that but at the same time, we know we need to improve.”
16:26Felix Keith
Porteous’ Euros could be over
Ryan Porteous has been handed a two-match ban by UEFA following his red card in Scotland’s thrashing by Germany.
Porteous was dismissed after bringing down Ilkay Gundogan with a poor challenge in the penalty area during the 5-1 loss. He will now miss Scotland’s other two group games against Switzerland and Hungary.
His tournament will be over if the Scots don’t manage to reach the knockout stages.
16:12John Cross
Shaw stepping up his recovery
Luke Shaw is stepping up his fitness work after doing a recovery session – even though he did not play against Serbia.
England left back Shaw joined the rest of the players who featured on Sunday night at their training base in Blankenhein for a warm-down and recovery. Shaw did the recovery session because he trained on Sunday even though he did not get changed for the Serbia game because he has not played in four months after a hamstring injury.
There was a hope he could be involved in the second Group C match, but while the medics are happy with his progress, it looks more likely to be later on.
The 12 non-playing substitutes – plus Kobbie Mainoo – took part in a full training session and there were no major injury worries after the Serbia win.
15:52Megan Feringa
FT: Romania make huge statement
Before today, Romania had managed only one Euros win in their history. The record book can, finally, be altered. And what a way to do it.
Romania were second best in Munich until Nicolae Stanciu’s first-half opener. From there, it was big goals and big moments. That Romania came into this tournament with a track record of not scoring many goals (let alone bangers), this group stage opener is quite the statement. They were equal parts energetic and ferocious, deserving winners in Munich.
For Ukraine, it’s a heavy defeat, one littered with self-inflicted errors and poor individual performances. They’ll need to bounce back from quickly if they are to make it out of the group stages.
ROM 3-0 UKR
15:44Megan Feringa
A tough afternoon for Mykhailo Mudryk
84′: It’s been a tough day for Ukraine, and the Chelsea man is no exception. And with a chance to make some semblance of amends with six minutes remaining, Mudryk barrelled down the left on the counter but grandly skied his effort into the yellow wall of the travelling Romania supporters.
It’s not a match he’ll want to remember.
ROM 3-0 UKR
15:38Megan Feringa
Romania’s #20
Dennis Man might supplied the assists for Romania’s first and third goals against Ukraine. A lovely display from the 25-year-old.
15:33Megan Feringa
And we have a pitch invader….
74′: It’s fair to say Romania fans are in dreamland with this opening display, so who can blame them if the occasion suddenly takes over their better judgement? One fan seems to have been moved to such an extent by his team’s comprehensive display against Ukraine, that he leapt onto the pitch to let Stancui know personally.
The fan has been ushered off by a member of security and the game carries on without much fuss.
15:30Megan Feringa
A difficult afternoon for Ukraine…
15:20Megan Feringa
Two goals in four minutes for Romania
15:15Megan Feringa
GOAL! It’s three!
57′: Scenes. Romania now have three, with Dennis Man sniping a pass across the face of goal and Denis DrăguÈ™ tapping it from close range. It’s desperate defending. Ukraine have been ripped apart in Munich.
ROM 3-0 UKR
15:12Megan Feringa
GOAL! Romania!
53′: It’s another great strike from distance, this time from Răzvan Marin. It’s not great goalkeeping by any stretch of the imagination but Romania won’t care. It’s 2-0 in Munich!
ROM 2-0 UKR
15:03Megan Feringa
Beep beep!
And we’re back underway in Munich.
ROM 1-0 UKR
14:52Megan Feringa
A sea of yellow at the Allianz
14:47Megan Feringa
HT: Romania lead courtesy of Stanciu stunner
What a first half. Anyone who wrote off this match as Monday afternoon fodder might wish to start penning that apology letter.
Ukraine were by far the better side until Stanciu punished a very poor moment from Ukraine’s backline on the half-hour mark with a simply splendid bit of skill. Romania found their groove after that, while Ukraine looked increasing rattled. But it’s only Stanciu’s stunner which separates the two sides. A huge second-half awaits.
14:39Megan Feringa
Worth remembering…
Romania were undefeated in their qualification campaign, while Ukraine were forced to take the long way to Germany, needing the grace of the playoffs.
And while for half an hour Romania hardly looked like the team who had managed such an impressive qualification campaign, they seem to have come alive now. But this game is far from over.
ROM 1-0 UKR
14:36Megan Feringa
An unbelievable strike from the Romanian.
14:30Megan Feringa
GOAL! Romania!
29′: It’s the goal of the tournament, so far at least. Romania forced Ukraine to turn the ball over in their half and Nicolae Stanciu thundered an outrageous shot into the top left corner. No goalkeeper was saving that.
Romania had far and away been the second-best team thus far, with Ukraine boasting the majority of the possession and the chances. But that means nothing now. One costly error from Ukraine’s backline and goalkeeper, one moment of brilliance from Stanciu. Romania lead in Munich!
ROM 1-0 UKR
14:16Megan Feringa
Ukraine the better side
15′: Quarter of an hour gone and Ukraine are enjoying themselves the most. They’ve had roughly 70% of the possesion and some decent chances to make the most of their dominance. But Romania have shown signs of threat on the counter. An exciting match so far.
ROM 0-0 UKR
14:00Nathan Ridley
KICK-OFF: Romania 0-0 Ukraine
We’re underway in Munich to kick-off Monday’s triple-header.
13:37Nathan Ridley
Downing Street statement on England violence
A statement from Downing Street says that the violent scenes around England’s game against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen “do not reflect the spirit of the tournament.”
Seven Serbia fans were arrested after clashes ahead of their opening Euro 2024 fixture, with videos showing that tables, chairs and bottles were thrown before riot police arrived.
A Downing Street spokeswoman said: “The vast majority of travelling England fans were in good spirits ahead of the match, but clearly such scenes are unacceptable and do not reflect the spirit of the tournament.”
The spokeswoman also said that UK Prime Minsiter Rishi Sunak was ‘delighted’ with England’s 1-0 win. “He is obviously delighted with a win and with a clean sheet for England’s opening game of the Euros,” she added.
“It was a strong start to the tournament against tough opponents, lit up by (Jude) Bellingham’s performance and his thumping header to get the only goal of the game.”
13:00Nathan Ridley
CONFIRMED: Team news for Romania vs Ukraine
Romania XI: Nita; Ratiu, Dragusin, Burca, Bancu; Razvan Marin, Marius Marin, Stanciu; Man, Dragus, Coman
Ukraine XI: Lunin; Konoplia, Zabarnyi, Matviyenko, Zinchenko; Shaparenko, Stepanenko, Sudakov; Tsygankov, Dovbyk, Mudryk
Kick-off in Munich is at 2pm, with the match live on BBC One.
12:37Nathan Ridley
Stones given brutal L’Equipe rating
French newspaper L’Equipe are notorious for their low player ratings and John Stones has become the latest victim.
The England defender was given a 3/10, despite keeping a clean sheet in their 1-0 win against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen.
Read how England’s other stars fared here.
12:18Nathan Ridley
Ten Hag takes aim at Southgate
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag appeared to criticise Gareth Southgate’s tactics as he analysed England’s 1-0 win against Serbia.
Southgate was among the names heavily linked with the United job should Ten Hag have been sacked this summer.
He told Dutch broadcaster NOS post-match: “It’s the vision of the manager.
“England will take a 1-0 lead, then he [Southgate] decides to start gambling with making his team compact and relying on moments for the remaining minutes of the game.”
More comments from Ten Hag here.
11:47Nathan Ridley
Southgates backs Kane to produce
Harry Kane had a quiet night against Serbia.
Although the Bayern Munich striker could’ve made it 2-0 to England if not for a spectacular save from Predrag Rajkovic in the 77th minute, Kane was barely in the game and registered just two touches in the first half.
Gareth Southgate isn’t concerned, though, telling BBC Sport: “Today was just the finishing and a good save from the goalkeeper from the (Kane) header at the end.
“But that will come. I’m confident we will score goals. You’re playing against a back five. It’s not easy to create chances, but we did and in the end one was enough. That’s the reality of tournaments.”
More reaction from Southgate here.
11:17Nathan Ridley
Scotland legend Hansen ‘sounding fabulous’
This is welcome news.
Alan Hansen is now ‘sounding fabulous’ after being seriously ill in hospital, says former team-mate Graeme Souness.
“I spoke to him yesterday and he sounded fabulous so I hope that’s him on the way to a full recovery,” Souness revealed on talkSPORT.
“He’s definitely back because he did nothing but take the Mickey out of me!”
Read the full update on Hansen here.
10:48Nathan Ridley
Serbia boss Stojkovic: We didn’t deserve England defeat
“To have the English defending I’m very proud with how the players reacted. We haven’t deserved to be defeated but it is what it is.
“We keep going on. We managed to get to where we wanted to get to some more chances .”
– Dragan Stojkovic
10:18Nathan Ridley
Mbappe speaks out against far-right French party
France captain Kylian Mbappe has joined team-mate Marcus Thuram in opposing far-right political party National Rally.
A snap parliamentary election will be held in France on June 30 and July 7.
Speaking yesterday ahead of tonight’s game against Austria, Mbappe told a press conference: “I think we are at a crucial moment in the history of our country. That’s why I really want to address all the French people and especially the young generation. I think that we are a generation that can make a difference.
“We see very clearly that the extremes are at the gates of power and we have the opportunity to choose the future of our country. This is why I call on all young people to go vote and to become aware of the importance of the situation I hope that my voice will carry as much as possible.
“We need to identify with this country, to identify with our values which are values of tolerance, diversity, and respect. I trust the French, every voice counts. I really hope that we will make the right choice and that we will be proud to wear this jersey on July 7.”
09:45Nathan Ridley
Today’s fixtures and TV channels
We’ve got another feast of football on offer today, with three more games ahead of us.
Group E
- Romania vs Ukraine – 2pm (BBC)
- Belgium vs Slovakia – 5pm (ITV)
Group D
- Austria vs France – 8pm (ITV)
09:18Nathan Ridley
Lewandowski expected to face Austira
Poland boss Michal Probierz says that he expects Robert Lewandowski to return from injury in time for Friday’s crucial clash with Austria.
Lewandowski, 35, tore a muscle in his thigh during a friendly with Turkey last week, meaning that he missed a tournament match through injury for the first time in his international career.
The Barcelona striker was seen taking part in yesterday’s pre-match warmup, suggesting that a return to full training is imminent.
“Robert Lewandowski’s rehabilitation is going in the right direction,” Probierz said after Poland narrowly lost 2-1 to the Netherlands.
“He should recover for the match against Austria. The same is the case with Pawel Dawidowicz.”
08:17Nathan Ridley
Southgate makes ‘suffering’ admission
“Serbia are a strong team. We had to suffer a bit, which I think is really good for us to come through and to defend our box in the way we did under pressure is important for the group. That’s the reality of tournaments.
“We had good chances to extend the lead and kill the game, which we didn’t manage to take. I was really pleased with a lot of the play, especially the first half.
“I thought we used the ball really well. Second half we didn’t keep it quite as well as we need to but to get the win and the start that we have is really important.”
– Gareth Southgate
07:43Nathan Ridley
Bellingham rejects ‘ugly win’ claim
07:16Nathan Ridley
Ten Hag’s pointed verdict on Southgate
This was interesting – Erik ten Hag worked as a pundit for Dutch broadcaster NOS last night and after discussing his stay at Manchester United, he gave his opinion on Gareth Southgate.
England boss Southgate is liked by the United hierarchy thanks to boasting a friendship with Sir Dave Brailsford and already having worked alongside ex-FA chief Dan Ashworth, who the Red Devils want as their new sporting director.
After England’s narrow victory over Serbia, Ten Hag claimed: “It’s the vision of the manager [Southgate].
“England will take a 1-0 lead, then he decides to start gambling with making his team compact and relying on moments for the remaining minutes of the game.”
06:57Nathan Ridley
Good morning
Hello and welcome to Monday’s live Euro 2024 blog!
We’ll bring you reaction to England’s Jude Bellingham-inspired win last night, plus build-up to another triple-header of games on Monday.
Let’s get into it.
Key Event
Weghorst’s winner breaks Polish hearts
Ex-Manchester United loanee Wout Weghorst played the role of super sub by scoring with his first touch as the Netherlands edged Poland 2-1.
Weghorst, still contracted to Burnley having spent last season on loan at German side Hoffenheim, slotted home past Wojciech Szczesny in the 83rd minute to complete a Dutch comeback.
Poland, without the injured Robert Lewandowski, had taken an early lead through replacement striker Adam Buksa before deflected equaliser from Liverpool star Cody Gakpo.
Read why Weghorst was still ‘upset’ with boss Ronald Koeman here.
Key Event
Eriksen’s goal not enough for Denmark
Denmark were unable to get their Euro 2024 campaign off to a winning start after Christian Eriksen’s first-half strike was cancelled out by Slovenia.
Erik Janza’s deflected effort in the 77th minute means that the two other sides in Group C had to settle for a point-a-piece in Stuttgart.
Read Eriksen’s post-match reaction here.
Key Event
5 talking points as England beat Serbia
Jude Bellingham rose to the occasion and fired England to an opening-game win against Serbia.
The 1-0 victory wasn’t all smooth sailing, however, as the Three Lions’ defence had to dig in to avoid conceding a late equaliser.
Gareth Southgate will now have plenty to think about ahead of Thursday’s clash with Denmark.
Here are five talking points from England’s win.