England are up and running at Euro 2024 with a win over Serbia in a competitive first game for the Three Lions.
Jude Bellingham scored the winner with a powerful header early into the game for England, although Gareth Southgate’s side were left clinging on by the end.
England started with Trent-Alexander Arnold in midfield with Declan Rice and Bellingham, an experiment which did not work particularly well, despite the win.
Conor Gallagher came off the bench as the first midfield substitute, before Manchester United wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo was introduced late on.
Kobbie Mainoo backed for more
Kobbie Mainoo was making just his fourth appearance for England, aftermaking his debut in a friendly in March.
Notably, Mainoo was making his first tournament appearance, and playing in his first competitive match for England.
Introduced as a late 86th minute substitute for Bellingham, Mainoo was not asked to do a lot, with England just trying to see out the 1-0 win.
He did his job, with the Three Lions wrapping up the victory. On Instagram, he described it as ‘a great start to the tournament’.
Mainoo received a message from matchwinner Jude Bellingham, who responded: “Congrats my boy first of many.”
Mainoo takes on Manchester United duo next
England boss Gareth Southgate has a decision to make for England’s next game, with Trent-Alexander Arnold underwhelming in the opener.
While Rice and Bellingham have their spots sewn up, there is a place in the team up for grabs which Mainoo has a chance to claim.
England’s next match is in very new circumstances for Mainoo, because it would put him up against two Manchester United teammates.
The Three Lions face Denmark on Thursday, with Mainoo set to face Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund, who drew their opening game 1-1 with Slovenia.