Euro 2024: ‘We suffered but it’s good for us’ – Southgate after England’s gritty win over Serbia
Euro 2024: ‘We suffered but it’s good for us’ – Southgate after England’s win
Gareth Southgate insisted England would benefit from "suffering" in a tense finish to their 1-0 win against Serbia at Euro 2024 on Sunday.
Southgate's side made a lively start in Gelsenkirchen as Jude Bellingham headed them into the lead after 13 minutes.
England were in complete control until half-time, but lost their way after the interval and needed key saves from Jordan Pickford to hold on in their Group C opener.
It was hardly the eye-catching performance expected of the pre-tournament favourites, especially after hosts Germany laid down a marker with their demolition of Scotland on Friday.
But Southgate was adamant England could take pride from the way they kept Serbia at bay.
"We had to suffer a bit which I think is really good for us. To defend the box the way we did was really good for us," he said. "I was really pleased with a lot of the play. Second half we didn't keep it as well as I would have liked but to get the win is very important.
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
Delhi Consumer Court fines Indian Railways Rs 25,000 for making RAC passengers share one blanket
)
Who is Ruchika Singh, booked for using foul language against PM Modi at Jantar Mantar protests?
)
60,000 migrants from Morocco flood Spain's Ceuta, EU calls influx unacceptable, Trump warns US
)
'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
)
More than 100 Israeli soldiers walk out of base, chant slogans in an 'act of rebellion' | Watch
)
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Match Card: Night 1 & Night 2 schedule, main events & full lineup
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
Pakistan avalanche: Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja confirmed dead
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet the next gen of South Cinema: From Rajinikanth's grandson to CM Vijay's son, star kids ready for debut
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Fifth-generation fighters': Can the S-400 shoot down an F-35?
)
Indian govt clarifies foodgrain use for ethanol production, says 'E20 saved ₹30/litre on petrol prices' during global oil shock
)
NEET Protests riddled with misinformation? Delhi Police blocks 480 Pakistan-based handles spreading 'fake news' since Operation Sindoor
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 openers with fastest ODI centuries, check who tops list
)
Russian e-retailer Ozon comes under Ukrainian drone attack amid Russia-Ukraine war
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why are iPhones so expensive compared to Android phones?
)
Mysterious structures uncovered beneath the Amazon show millions of humans once lived here
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
Jared Leto controversy: Dylan Sprouse's old tweet resurfaces amid sexual assault allegations
)
Salman Khan enters Alliance to support brother, Sohail, netizens hail, 'tomorrow’s episode is going to be MASSIVE'
)
‘Satanic’ chainsaw-wielding rescue bot leaves internet divided: ‘Those eyes are horrifying’
)
Massive explosion at Moscow restaurant kills at least 3; woman suspected of carrying bomb
)
"Am I Worthy?" Ranbir Kapoor addresses backlash over playing Lord Ram in Ramayana: Part 1
)
Are you an Indian on an H-1B visa? New US bill could make getting Green Card easier
)
US offers $15mn reward to dismantle alleged IRGC drone funding network
)
Ariana Grande's Petal video fuels debate as fans voice concern over her appearance
)
Have 7,000 Karnataka students tested positive for HIV? Here's the truth
)
Kim Kardashian shares sweet moment with boyfriend Lewis Hamilton during summer vacation
)
Buying Russian oil could cost India dearly? MEA breaks silence on US 100% tariff bill
)
'Delimitation designed to disenfranchise Tamil Nadu': Rahul Gandhi urges parties to oppose Bill
)
Hrithik Roshan reacts to 'sorry Hrithik' trend, Kangana Ranaut slams him, mentions Saba Azad: 'You are in a committed relationship'
)
Nearly Rs 29 crore cash, 15 kg gold found at ex-bus driver's house in West Bengal
)
At least 3 killed in mass shooting at Idaho restaurant, shocking video of gunman open firing with AR-style rifle surfaces
)
German anatomist 'Dr Death's' family to grant his creepy last wish
"Pleased we had to show a different side and show a resilience to defend our box because as a group that builds a spirit. We defended very well as a unit."
Southgate conceded England have room for improvement after their inconsistent performance.
ALSO READ:Euro 2024: Slovenia strike late to secure draw against Danes after Eriksen's fairytale goal
But he said he never bought into the hype that had England installed as the leading contenders to lift the trophy in Berlin on July 14.
"We can be more efficient in the way we played in the first half which will also help us moving forward," he said. "This team is still coming together. Everyone is expecting us to waltz but there is a lot of hard work ahead.
"We've had a very complicated run in to all of this but the spirit of the group was on show tonight."
Southgate's decision to play Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in a defensive midfield role alongside Declan Rice brought mixed results.
Alexander-Arnold was caught in possession at times, but Southgate praised his contribution to Bellingham's man of the match display.
"I was really pleased. Jude has such a prominent role and Trent had to cover a lot of spaces. It's not a role he's done a lot at all," he said. "He showed great discipline, fabulous passing range he has, we're learning with him in this role but he showed some of the attributes he can bring. It's great to see him come through that test."
