England Begins Euro 2024 Campaign Against Serbia Amid Fan Violence Concerns

England, a perennial favorite in international football, embarks on its quest for a maiden European Championship title on Sunday when it faces Serbia in Group C. The Three Lions, who reached the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020, are eager to end their long wait for a major trophy.

Gareth Southgate's team boasts a formidable record in the European Championship, having lost only one of its last 18 games excluding penalty shootouts. However, concerns linger over potential fan violence, with the match deemed "high risk" by police. Beer sales at the stadium will be limited to low-alcohol options.

England's hopes rest heavily on the shoulders of Jude Bellingham, who has enjoyed a stellar debut season at Real Madrid. The 19-year-old midfielder has already won the Spanish title and Champions League, showcasing his immense talent.

Serbia, on the other hand, will be led by striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has been in prolific form for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. The 28-year-old scored 28 goals in all competitions last season, finishing behind only Cristiano Ronaldo in the league's scoring charts.

Southgate's future as England manager could hinge on the team's performance at the Euros. His contract expires after the tournament, and failure to win a trophy could spell the end of his reign.

The fitness of John Stones remains a concern for England, especially given the absence of defensive stalwart Harry Maguire due to injury. Stones missed training earlier in the week due to illness but returned on Thursday. Southgate may consider playing Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold as a holding midfielder alongside Declan Rice.

Serbia has reported no injury concerns ahead of the match.

England's squad includes several experienced players, with Harry Kane, John Stones, and Kyle Walker making their fifth major tournament appearances for the Three Lions. Serbia, meanwhile, has scored 15 goals in qualifying for the Euros, with five of them coming from headers.

Kane, England's all-time leading scorer with 63 goals, is still searching for his first trophy at club or international level. Mitrovic, on the other hand, has scored 28 goals in all competitions for Al-Hilal, behind only Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.

Eleven members of Southgate's squad, including Chelsea forward Cole Palmer, are making their major tournament debuts.

The match between England and Serbia is expected to draw a large crowd, with 80,000 liters of beer available to fans in Gelsenkirchen.

Tags: #Euro2024, #England, #Serbia, #JudeBellingham, #AleksandarMitrovic