England will need to do a lot better if they are to worry the other tournament favourites after their promising start fell away in the final 45 minutes.
Jude Bellingham fired in a header to get England up and running in Euro 2024 as they edged past Serbia 1-0.
It was a nervy second half for England though, who were forced to soak up pressure from their much-improved opponents.
Bellingham had settled fans’ nerves early on, scoring from a deflected Bukayo Saka cross from the right in the 13th minute.
The 20-year-old’s goal came just a few weeks after he finished a stellar season with Real Madrid by lifting the Champions League trophy.
Kyle Walker also had a good chance in the 25th minute, using his pace to dart into the box and flash the ball across goal.
England dominated most of the first half but there was a warning of Serbia’s threat when Aleksandar Mitrovic sent a shot a few yards wide in the 20th minute.
Serbia were far better after the break, winning more 50-50 balls and putting the Three Lions on the back foot for much of the last 45.
Southgate’s team struggled for possession and Trent Alexander-Arnold made way for Conor Gallagher and Saka was subbed for Jarrod Bowen.
Harry Kane almost made it 2-0 with a header from close range in the 77th minute, but the Serbian keeper pushed it on to the crossbar.
It was a quiet game overall for the captain, who scored a prolific 44 goals with Bayern Munich this season.
Jordan Pickford also made a crucial save in the 82nd minute to keep out Dusan Vlahovic’s shot from about 22 yards.
Bellingham was subbed late on for another prodigious talent, Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, but fans will be happy their young star is off the mark.
Speaking after the match, the Madrid star thanked his family and support network and said he was happy to continue his form with the Spanish champions into the Euros.
The 20-year-old said he was “willing to do whatever it takes” to help England win.