England are set to kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia in a challenging test for the Three Lions. Despite being the favourites to secure a victory in tonight’s (Sunday) game in Gelsenkirchen, Gareth Southgate has multiple reasons to be cautious of Serbia.
England are bolstered by numerous forward options, including Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, but their defence could present a problem. Already weakened by the absence of Harry Maguire and a fully fit left-back, Southgate’s team run the risk of being exposed by Serbia. Under the guidance of Dragan Stojkovic, the Eagles have demonstrated their strength from set pieces and boast an impressive array of attacking options.
Serbia’s rollercoaster 2022 World Cup campaign may have slipped from memory, where they bowed out at the group stage after squandering leads against Cameroon (3-3) and Switzerland (3-2). However, if lessons have been learned, England could be up against a more strategic side with five key threats, including Arsenal-linked Dusan Vlahovic.
The striker is likely to be the main concern for England fans when he takes to the pitch against the Three Lions. The 29-year-old had a successful final season with Fulham, netting 14 goals in 24 Premier League matches, before joining the ranks of high-profile players in the Saudi Pro League last summer.
Serbia’s vice-captain has scored an impressive 40 goals in 43 games for his new club and has also found the back of the net six times in his last 10 international appearances. Mitrovic’s aerial threat will pose a significant challenge for England’s makeshift defence, especially without Maguire commanding the box.
Despite the presence of other big names, PAOK’s Zivkovic will be crucial to Serbia’s chances against England at both ends of the pitch. The winger has netted 19 goals and provided 14 assists for the Greek side this season.
However, due to a shortage of traditional right-backs, Zivkovic often plays as a right wingback for Serbia, with Juventus’ Filip Kostic on the opposite side. Serbia have considered using a back four, which would allow Zivkovic to play in his preferred position, to add more stability but are likely to opt for a back five against England.
His defensive weaknesses could be exploited by either Phil Foden or Anthony Gordon, though Zivkovic also has the potential to punish England’s makeshift left-back In a match-defining duel.
Dusan Tadic (Fenerbahce)
Since leaving Southampton in 2018, the Serbian captain has enjoyed the best years of his career. Now 36, Tadic said goodbye to his successful spell at Ajax and joined Fenerbahce last summer, who astonishingly failed to win the league title despite amassing 99 points.
The influential attacking midfielder contributed to 32 goals across 52 games and will hope to have a similar impact for Serbia. He will occupy the number 10 role, looking to feed passes through to Mitrovic and Serbia’s other forwards. With 108 caps under his belt, Tadic is a player who could easily dismantle an inexperienced England defence.
England’s defence will have more than just Mitrovic to contend with. Despite a rocky start in Turin, the striker netted 18 times in 38 appearances for Juventus, sparking rumours of a move to Arsenal this summer.
Vlahovic has an equally impressive record for Serbia, scoring 13 goals in 27 international matches, and could join Mitrovic up front if his manager opts for a 3-5-2 formation. This tactical dilemma and the wealth of attacking options means AC Milan’s Luka Jovic may have to make do with a spot on the bench.
Milinkovic-Savic joined Al Hilal a month before his compatriot Mitrovic. The 29-year-old midfielder built a significant reputation during his eight-year tenure with Lazio, often linked with a potential move to the Premier League.
Instead, he chose Al Hilal, where he netted 12 goals and provided 17 assists in his first season. Milinkovic-Savic has been a constant presence in the Serbia squad, controlling play and creating opportunities from a deeper midfield position than Tadic.
