England are up and running at Euro 2024, after defeating Serbia in Gelsenkirchen to take a slender 1-0 victory.

It was a backs against the walls job for the Three Lions, but aided by a mercurial Jude Bellingham maximum points were secured.

Running the rule over the performance of Gareth Southgate’s men in the opening fixture, Express Sport delivers the first player ratings of the tournament.

PICKFORD 6
Rarely troubled but had to show his bravery when Serbia stepped up the pace after the break

WALKER 7
Shows no sign of slowing down. His consistency gave Saka the freedom to roam

STONES 7
Assured in possession and ruthless in the air. Looked back to full fitness after injury

GUEHI 7
Stood up to be counted when England came under pressure. Never looked out of place

TRIPPIER 6
Playing out of position on the left but it didn’t show. Solid at both ends of the pitch

ALEXANDER-ARNOLD 6
Lost possession a couple of times in dangerous areas and could have been punished. Subbed

RICE 7
Prepared to dig in a do the dirty work when the pressure was on after the break

SAKA 7
Starboy’s flash of first-half brilliance brought the opening goal but struggled at times

BELLINGHAM 8
Hey Jude wasn’t afraid when he steamed to head England ahead. Another top performance

FODEN 6
Seemed to be targeted by the aggressive Serbian defenders and struggled to make an impact

KANE 5
England’s captain didn’t look fully fit and only had two touches of the ball in the first half

SUBS

GALLAGHER (ALEXANDER-ARNOLD 69) Came on to give the team some energy when they were flagging
BOWEN (SAKA 76)