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England vs Serbia LIVE: Gareth Southgate confirms starting XI as violence mars build-up

England vs Serbia LIVE Gareth Southgate confirms starting XI as violence 
mars buildup
England's Euro 2024 campaign gets underway when Gareth Southgate's side face Serbia in Gelsenkirchen today, with the Three Lions looking to get off to a winning start

It's the moment we've been waiting for - England begin their quest for European Championship glory.

Euro 2024 started with a bang as Germany hammered Scotland 5-1 to spoil the Tartan Army's party on Friday night, while day two yesterday saw Switzerland, Spain and Italy also pick up wins.

And England are set to face Serbia in their tournament opener today, with the clash one of three games that will be played on day three. Gareth Southgate's side are one of the favourites to win the Euros and will be aiming to put in a statement performance against Serbia, much like Germany and Spain already have.

Elsewhere in England's group, Slovenia are set to take on Denmark in Stuttgart. In the early kick-off, Poland will face the Netherlands and Mirror Football will have updates from Germany throughout all of the action.

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19:45Scott Trotter

Joe Hart's tattoo

Being kind, they've received mixed reviews since the former England international appeared on the live coverage of this evening's match.

Alan Smith said: "Joe Hart’s tats been the most intriguing thing about the Euro so far."

Nick Dixon comic said: "Has Joe Hart had an elbow support tattooed on him?"

Joe Hart, former English football player, and Kelly Somers, English presenter and journalist (Matthias Hangst)
19:37Scott Trotter

Fancy your chances against Pickford?

A third of Brits believe they’d score at least once against Jordan Pickford, in a series of 10 one-on-ones, according to a study by Paddy Power Bingo.

Bold.

Jordan Pickford of England warms up prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Serbia and England (Michael Regan)
19:28Scott Trotter

Southgate explains starting XI

Gareth Southgate believes Trent Alexander-Arnold's "fantastic" passing range makes him the perfect choice to play in midfield.

Southgate told BBC Sport: "A different passing option. I think that he's obviously got fantastic range. It looks like we're playing against a back five so not so much space at times to break the opposition down."

Full story

Gareth Southgate (Channel 4 Sport)
19:25Scott Trotter

Family in attendance

Kane's brother Charlie and Jordan Pickford's wife, Megan have been pictured in the stadium already.

Jordan Pickford's, wife Megan, looks on (Richard Pelham)
19:21Scott Trotter

Excitement brewing

Fans of England react as they pose for a photo on the outside of the stadium (Angel Martinez)
19:14Paul Byrne

Kane expects backing from German fans

by Paul Byrne and Andy Lines in Gelsenkirchen

Harry Kane says German fans will be backing him and his England team mates against Serbia tonight (SUN).

The Bayern Munich striker believes he will have the support of neutrals in the Arena AufSchalke stadium in Gelsenkirchen

He said: “It will be a tournament that I should enjoy, because I will be supported not only by the English fans, but also by the German fans, which I really appreciate.

"Hopefully that will boost my confidence and motivate me even more to play a great tournament.”

Kane, 30, is looking to add to his tally of 63 goals in 91 matches for the Three Lions.

He added: "There's no reason why I can't be the top scorer at this tournament. If we do well, I expect to be at the top.”

Harry Kane speaking before England v Serbie (PA)
19:11Tom Victor

How Serbia made it to Euro 2024

We know all about England's journey to Euro 2024, but what about their opponents.

Dragan Stojkovic's team missed out on the last Euros after losing to Scotland in a play-off, while their 2022 World Cup campaign ended in the group stages.

This time, though, a friendly qualifying draw allowed them to progress. They finished second behind Hungary, beating out Montenegro, Lithuania and Bulgaria to make the cut.

19:06Scott Trotter

Serbia XI

Rajkovic, Veljkovic, Milenkovic, Pavlovic, Gudelj, Lukic, Sergej, Zivkovic, Kostic, Vlahovic, Mitrovic

Veljko Birmancevic and teammates check the pitch (ALBERTO PIZZOLI)
19:03Scott Trotter

Inside dressing rooms

The shirts of Bukayo Saka, Marc Guehi, John Stones and Declan Rice are displayed (Michael Regan)
18:57KEY EVENT

England XI

Pickford, Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Alexander-Arnold, Rice, Saka, Bellingham, Foden; Kane.

18:49Scott Trotter

Team news moments away

We'll soon know who starts. Then the countdown begins.

(Getty Images)
18:39KEY EVENT

England arrive

Bukayo Saka and Trent Alexander-Arnold of England arrive at the stadium (Richard Pelham)
18:35Scott Trotter

Goal!

Slovenia level the score! Kasper Schmeichel is wrongfooted as a deflected shot flies past him and into the net. Erik Janža will not mind one bit!

18:28Scott Trotter

A sign to provide hope or sadness?

England being their 11 Euros campaign this evening and will play their 39th match. No other nation has competed in as many games without ever winning it.

18:23Scott Trotter

Almost time

Riot police escort Serbia fans at Hauptbahnhof main railway station (Sascha Schuermann)
18:16Scott Trotter

UKFPU statement

A UKFPU spokesman said: "We are aware of an issue in Gelsenkirchen ahead of the England v Serbia match. Our German colleagues have made a number of arrests of what we currently believe to be Serbian supporters. At this stage we do not believe that any UK nationals have been arrested but enquiries are ongoing. Our officiers are at the location speaking to our German colleagues. Our investigations team is now reviewing footage of the incident and if any UK nationals have been involved, fotball banning orders will be sought."

18:11Scott Trotter

Perhaps not the ideal song

18:09Scott Trotter

Who could start for England?

With Guehi's position already seeming to be leaked, it may not take much to predict England's team this evening, fitness permitting.

Jordan Pickford will start behind, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Guehi and Kieran Trippier. Trent Alexander-Arnold appears set for a role in midfielder with Declan Rice, with Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden behind Harry Kane.

Not too long until the official news will drop now.

18:06Scott Trotter

Conditions in Gelsenkirchen

Things have been a bit wet at the venue for England's opening match. A rainbow is already out and hopefully the Three Lions find gold by the end of the tournament.

England are set for wet conditions (Andy Lines)
17:52Matt Maltby

Heavy police presence at class

There is heavy presence of police and security as England fans arrive at the stadium for this crunch clash.

Excitement is certaintly gathering pace...

(Getty Images)
17:42Scott Trotter

Gary Neville sends Trent Alexander Arnold warning

Former England international Gary Neville believes England will regret not making more use of Trent Alexander-Arnold in the national side.

The Liverpool star could feature in the centre of midfield this evening alongside Declan Rice, but has struggled to secure a place in his usual position of right back.

“I think it works for now," said Neville of Alexander-Arnold playing in midfield. "The only thing I would say is that we could look back in five, six, seven, eight years if we don't get Trent Alexander-Arnold [playing] international football and regret how we have handled him. He is one player that I would describe as world-class at what he does - there's no doubt about that. He's unique in terms of his delivery [and] his set-piece play."

Full story

Gareth Southgate gives instructions to Trent Alexander-Arnold (Eddie Keogh - The FA)
17:35Matt Maltby

Jack Wilshere plays his part

Ahead of England's Euros opener, former Three Lions star Jack Wilshere was in the heart of Birmingham to give away thousands of footballs to local kids, as part of McDonald’s Fun Football initiative to get more kids playing for free.

The midfield ace headed to Jude Bellingham’s hometown to use the Fun Football vending machine, which uses Fun Football ambassador Bellingham’s celebration, and to help hand out over 1,000 free footballs and meet local kids ahead of the game.

Wilshere said: “There has been a great atmosphere in Birmingham today. Loads of the kids are clearly really excited about the tournament kicking off. We’ve handed out thousands of footballs today. Football is a game for everyone and that’s why I am so proud to team up with McDonald’s Fun Football, to ensure every child has the opportunity to play this summer."

To ensure that every child inspired by this summer’s heroics has the opportunity to play. McDonald’s Fun Football will be providing an additional wave of sessions especially for children inspired by the tournament. The programme will provide 250,000 hours of football to children across the nation for free.

Jack Wilshire during a McDonald’s Fun Football Vending Machine Session
17:33Paul Byrne

Update from earlier violence

German riot police sealed off a side street close to Gelsenkirchen’s main square after violence erupted five hours before kick off yesterday.

Bottles, chairs and tables were hurled into the air by rival groups outside a bar where a dozens of Serbian fans had been drinking. Some of the thugs had their faces covered during the clashes.

One man, who is understood to be English, was left with blood pouring from a head wound and needed medical attention.

Dozens of riot police were on the scene within moments of trouble flaring and UK police sources said a total of six Serbian fans were arrested.

A Gelsenkirchen police spokesman said: "We can confirm that there was a physical altercation between several people in the south of the city.

"The police are on site with sufficient personnel and have the situation under control.”

Full story

17:26Scott Trotter

England fans held by police

17:22Matt Maltby

England fans soak up atmosphere at Gelsenkirchen fan park

(PA)
17:18Scott Trotter

Denmark lead!

It's Christian Eriksen! The Danish midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest the last time he was on the pitch in the European Championships and this could be a great start to his return to the competition.

Eriksen certainly enjoyed that one and it's a fine finish too. That may settle some nerves among the Danish ranks

17:03Scott Trotter

Underway in Group C

England's future opponents Denmark and Slovenia have kicked off. The Danes are already looking wide in the early minutes of the game.

A general view as fans raise a banner of a Viking prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Slovenia and Denmark (Carl Recine/Getty Images)
16:53Scott Trotter

Harry Maguire's message

Positing on Instagram, Harry Maguire has sent a message of support. "Ready for the game - Come on England," he said.

Harry Maguire had a message ahead of this evening (harrymaguire93/Instagram)
16:48Scott Trotter

Neville on Guehi

The former Manchester United defender appears to have some concerns about England's backline for the tournament. Neville said: "I've no doubts about Guehi as an individual. My doubts are about the back four as a unit. Is that one that will win you a tournament?"

(@itvfootball/Twitter)
16:46Tom Victor

Hamann questions Pickford

Former Germany star Didi Hamann remains unconvinced by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

“My worry would be Jordan Pickford," the former Liverpool midfielder said on the ‘In The Zone’ podcast.

"He's a good keeper, but I think his temperament lets him down at times.

"In a tournament when you might play seven games, there will be setbacks - you need a keeper who calms his teammates down.

"I think Pickford does the opposite and this is where I've got my worries and question marks. I don’t think England win a big title with Pickford."

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