Serbia – England: already a real test for the English

Among the big favorites of the competition, Gareth Southgate's men begin their EURO this evening against France. Serbia à Gelsenkirhcen, as part of the second meeting of Group C.

Finalists in the previous edition (against Italy in 2021), the Three Lions begin their tournament tonight at the Arena AufSchalke stadium in Gelsenkirchen (9 p.m.) against Serbia. It is a real test from the start for Jude Bellingham's teammates against a Serbian team that did not really shine during qualifying, but which remains difficult to handle when she is not the favorite.

Garteh Southgate's Last Challenge

The English coach, whose contract with the Federation ends in December 2024, begins his fourth major competition today à this post. The balance sheet has even been very satisfactory since he took office in 2016 (semi-finalist of the World Cup in 2018, finalist of EURO 2021 then quarter-finalist of the Qatari World Cup in 2022). Unfortunately, like any national coach without a major title, he constantly inherits criticism from the media on the playing field, the players chosen and his ability to play. oacute; à transcend a workforce that has the strengths to reach the final level. The last friendly match lost à Wembley face à Iceland (0-1) contributed a lot of doubts after a brilliant qualifying campaign (20 points out of 24). To hope for a contract extension, Southgate must therefore aim for the much-hoped-for title.

Bellingham, a Ballon d'Or at stake.

Despite With the notable absences of Rashford and Grealish, England enters this EURO as one of the three big favorites of the competition. The majority starters have acquired the necessary experience of these major events, the old hands like Kane, Stones, Walker as well as the less young ones including Foden, Saka, Rice and Bellingham. The latter, winner of the Champions League a few weeks ago with Real, made no secret of his desire to win the Champions League. his ambitions for the Ballon d'Or. This requires a faultless run in Germany and in particular this evening against à Serbia. An opponent who has no longer contested a EURO since the 2000 edition (The Serbs and the Montenegrins made up the selection of FR Yugoslavia)

Guehi already has installed defense

For this entry into the tournament, Southgate should rely on a sharp attack with Harry Kane at the forefront ahead of Fode, Saka and Bellingham. Pickford keeps the goals in front of a strong defense four elements where Marc Guehi  has already made his mark à side by Walker, Stones and Trippier. The Crystal Palace defender will therefore have to make Harry Maguire forget, who has been in poor form for several seasons. In midfield, there remains uncertainty between Gallagher and Alexander Arnold to accompany Declan Rice. On the side Serbian, Stojkovic will trust à its usual eleven with the Mitrovic-Vlahovic duo in attack. This meeting will be arbitrated by the experienced team. Daniele Orsato (Italy)

What probable compositions?

Possible England XI: Pickford – Walker, Stones, Guéhi, Trippier – Gallagher (Alexander Arnold), Rice, Saka, Bellingham, Foden – Kane< /p>

Serbia's possible XI: Milinkovic-Savic – Milenkovic, Veljkovic, Pavlovic – Zivkovic, S Milinkovic-Savic, Lukic, Kostic,&nbsp ;Tadic – Mitrovic, Vlahovic

Which channel to watch the match on ?

The match will be broadcast unencrypted on TF1 (start of the match at 9 p.m.). For those who are subscribers, you can also follow the match on BeinSports which will broadcast the entire competition.

The different coasts

• Betlic:  Serbia 7.40/Draw 4.62/England 1.44
• Bwin: Serbia 6.50/Draw 4.20/England 1.43
• Winamax: Serbia 7.25/Draw 4.50/England 1, 45
• Unibet: Serbia 7.25/Draw 4.60/England 1.44