England vs Serbia LIVE: Gareth Southgate confirms starting XI as violence mars build-up
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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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?"
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.
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."
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Family in attendance
Kane's brother Charlie and Jordan Pickford's wife, Megan have been pictured in the stadium already.
Excitement brewing
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.”
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.
Serbia XI
Rajkovic, Veljkovic, Milenkovic, Pavlovic, Gudelj, Lukic, Sergej, Zivkovic, Kostic, Vlahovic, Mitrovic
Inside dressing rooms
England XI
Pickford, Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Alexander-Arnold, Rice, Saka, Bellingham, Foden; Kane.
Team news moments away
We'll soon know who starts. Then the countdown begins.
England arrive
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!
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.
Almost time
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."
Perhaps not the ideal song
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.
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.
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...
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."
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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.
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.”
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England fans held by police
England fans soak up atmosphere at Gelsenkirchen fan park
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
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.
Harry Maguire's message
Positing on Instagram, Harry Maguire has sent a message of support. "Ready for the game - Come on England," he said.
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?"
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."