England vs Serbia LIVE: Saka and Alexander-Arnold start as travel chaos causes fans issues

England vs Serbia LIVE updates (Image: Getty)

England take on Serbia in their opening match of Euro 2024 in Gelsenkirchen, the home of German side Schalke. Gareth Southgate's outfit are one of the favourites to win the tournament and end a barren trophy drought dating back to 1966.

The Three Lions will come up against some familiar faces with ex-Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitrovic and Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic spearheading Serbia's attack.

Chelsea keeper Dorde Petrovic and Fulham midfielder Sasa Lukic are also in the squad.

England are the top seeds in Group C and the pressure is on to put on a top performance, especially after Germany and Spain shot out of the blocks.

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Follow live updates of England vs Serbia below...  

18 mins ago20:27Sam SmithEngland 1-0 Serbia

It's been a hugely positive first half an hour from England.

Jude Bellingham put the Three Lions ahead with a close-range header.

One minor hiccup in midfield saw Trent Alexander-Arnold's loose touch lead to a half-chance for Aleksandar Mitrovic, but he fired wide.

England in control.

Jude Bellingham put England ahead (Image: Getty) 31 mins ago20:14Sam SmithGOAL! England 1-0 Serbia

It's the perfect start for England!

Jude Bellingham connects with Bukayo Saka's cross to head England in front.

32 mins ago20:13Sam SmithA positive first 10 minutes from England

England have naturally dominated possession in the opening 10 minutes.

Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham have both looked bright.

41 mins ago20:04Sam SmithKick off!

We're underway in Gelsekirchen.

Stick with us for full coverage of England's opening Euro 2024 clash with Serbia.

48 mins ago19:57Sam SmithGod Save The King booed

It's a belting rendition of God Save The King inside the Veltins Arena.

However, both anthems have been very loudly booed inside the stadium.

The game will be underway in a few moments' time.

England's stars were booed while singing God Save The King (Image: Getty) 1 hour ago19:45Sam Smith15 minute warning

England begin their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia in just 15 minutes.

Let us know in the comments what you're expecting from the Three Lions.

1 hour ago19:34Sam SmithNovak Djokovic makes appearances in Gelsenkirchen

Serbian tennis icon Novak Djokovic has appeared on the screen at the Veltins Arena.

Djokovic sent a good luck message to the Serbian football team.

Djokovic with a good luck message to Serbia, to huge cheers pic.twitter.com/UZdsMJtrED

\u2014 Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) June 16, 2024 1 hour ago19:20Sam SmithPolice issues update on Euro 2024 unrest

There was unrest in Gelsenkirchen prior to England's Euro 2024 match against Serbia.

German police say that seven Serbian citizens were arrested.

There are conflicting reports over whether England fans were involved. Some claim that it was instead Albania supporters.

2 hours ago19:01Sam SmithSerbia team to face England

It's a strong, very recognisable Serbia team trying to cause an upset against England tonight.

Serbia XI: Rajkovic, Milenkovic, Veljkovic, Pavlovic, Zivkovic, S.Milinkovic-Savic, Lukic, Gudelj, Kostic, Mitrovic, Vlahovic.

Aleksandar Mitrovic is known to fans on these shores for his spells with Newcastle and Fulham.

Dusan Vlahovic has previously been linked with Arsenal.

2 hours ago18:56Sam SmithConfirmed England team to play Serbia at Euro 2024

England: Pickford, Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier, Rice, Alexander-Arnold, Saka, Bellingham, Foden, Kane.

Gareth Southgate is able to name the rest of his 26-man squad on the bench, in a change from Euro 2020.

Four years ago, bosses were forced to exclude three players from the matchday squad.

Your #ThreeLions to take on Serbia! \ud83d\ude4c pic.twitter.com/dWKkaYO2EJ

\u2014 England (@England) June 16, 2024 2 hours ago18:50Sam SmithWhere is England vs Serbia being played?

England will meet Serbia at the Veltins Arena, Gelsenkirchen.

The stadium is home to German side Schalke.

England have bad memories of the venue. It hosted their 2006 World Cup quarter-final defeat against Portugal.

Wayne Rooney was infamously sent off in the game.

England have bad memories of the Veltins Arena (Image: Getty) 2 hours ago18:49Sam SmithWhen will England vs Serbia team news be confirmed?

England vs Serbia will kick off at 8pm in Gelsenkirchen.

Team news is due in 10 minutes, at around 7pm.

We're not expecting any major surprises from Gareth Southgate.

2 hours ago18:46Sam SmithTravel causes causes issues for England fans

The travel situation in Germany has caused a few issues for fans and journalists already this weekend.

Trains and buses have been criticised by tournament-goers.

One journalist has urged fans who are still in Gelsenkirchen to travel to the stadium by foot, rather than attempt to catch public transport.

For any England or Serbia fans who are still in the middle of Gelsenkirchen (or worse still not there yet), I\u2019d recommend you set off on foot if you can.

It\u2019s about three miles but the public transport situation is a total mess #ENGSER

\u2014 Oliver Kay (@OliverKay) June 16, 2024 2 hours ago18:34Sam SmithPredicted England line-up

Trent Alexander-Arnold is widely expected to start in midfield for England tonight.

Marc Guehi could also get the nod alongside John Stones, who has recovered from a bout of illness.

Predicted England team: Pickford, Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier, Rice, Alexander-Arnold, Saka, Bellingham, Foden, Kane.

Trent Alexander Arnold is expected to start for England tonight (Image: Getty) 2 hours ago18:30Sam SmithGood evening!

Hello and welcome to live coverage of England's Euro 2024 clash with Serbia in Gelsenkirchen.

We'll have all the team news, build-up and action here in this live blog.

So stay tuned!

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