There is expectation, as always, when it comes to the English national team, so regardless of any issues of selection or talk of first game nerves, Gareth Southgate’s side were seen as favourites to get off to a winning start as their tournament got started - and these fans are not known as their forgiveness.
Things started as good as people could’ve hoped, with Jude Bellingham getting the Three Lions off the mark with a fantastic diving header, but the Serbians recovered well and gave as good as they got for large periods of the game - handing Southgate’s side a few scares along the way.
It was far from vintage from the Three Lions as they failed to make their periods of dominance count, and in the end there will have been a bit of a sigh of relief as they made sure that they came out of the game with three important points to their name.
Here’s how we rated England’s players as they got off to a winning start at Europe’s continental showpiece:
9. Phil Foden - 5
Battled to replicate his scintillating form for Man City when tasked with doing so at international level, and though he still played his part there will be hope that there is plenty more to come from the young Englishman as the tournament goes on. Can offer so much more than we saw tonight. | Getty Images
10. Bukayo Saka - 8
Bright as a button down England's right side, caused all sorts of problems from the off and was a real handful for Serbia. Got the assist for Bellingham's opener, and though he wasn't quite as effective in the second half he was still a vital piece of the puzzle. | Getty Images
11. Harry Kane - 7
It certainly wasn't his most eye-catching outing in an England shirt, but he was still involved in their play and helped get things over the line for the Three Lions. Would've got a goal if not for a fine save late on. | Getty Images
12. Conor Gallagher - 6
Replaced Alexander-Arnold in the 68th minute, going into the midfield with England looking to hold on. | Getty Images