Southgate admits England suffered against Serbia after 1-0 win

Southgate said, “Second half, we didn’t keep it as well as I would have liked but to get the win is very important.”

By Kehinde Okeowo

England boss, Gareth Southgate, has admitted that his team’s narrow win over Serbia was a very difficult encounter.

According to the English tactician, the Three Lions
had to “suffer” before managing to edge past a well drilled Serbian side.  

England began their Euro 2024 campaign with a 1-0 win over Serbia on Sunday night at the Veltins Arena, Gelsenkirchen.

Jude Bellingham’s powerful header in the 19th minute ensured Southgate’s men picked up all the available three points.

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However, England who finished runners up at the last Championships, had to defend for most of the second half.

Speaking after the game, Southgate told BBC: “They are a strong team. We had to suffer a bit which I think is really good for us.

“I think to defend the box the way we did was really good for us. I was really pleased with a lot of the play.

“Second half, we didn’t keep it as well as I would have liked but to get the win is very important.”