Serbia vs England: Three key battles that could decide Euro 2024 clash

The Three Lions are the favourite in this contest.

England kicks off their bid to end 58 years without a major tournament win by taking on Serbia in their Euro 2024 opener on Sunday.

Gareth Southgate’s men were considered favourites before a run of poor warm-up results, while Serbia are appearing full of confidence after some impressive friendly performances. With attacking talents like Aleksandar Mitrovic, Dusan Tadic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in their ranks, the Eagles will back themselves to expose any English weaknesses.

As is so often the case in the biggest matches, the outcome could hinge on who wins the battles between the teams’ outstanding individuals. Here are three of the most important one-on-one contests to keep an eye on.

Three key battles that may decide Serbia vs England Euro 2024 clash

3. Aleksandar Mitrovic vs John Stones

Serbia‘s striker Mitrovic scored a lot of goals (28) for his club Al-Hilal last season. He will likely cause big problems for England’s central defender Stones with his strength, movement and ability in the air.

Stones is good in the air himself, but Mitrovic is powerful and hard to stop for a full 90 minutes. How well Stones handles Mitrovic’s ‘awkward’ game could determine if England’s defence stands firm or not.

Also read: Serbia vs England: All-time head-to-head record

2. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic vs Trent Alexander-Arnold

In midfield, Serbia’s Milinkovic-Savic and his driving runs from deep will clash with Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold who is set to play an unfamiliar central role for England.

Alexander-Arnold’s long passing, set-piece deliveries and late runs into the box could create chances for England. But he must also show he can stop Milinkovic-Savic’s surging runs forward if the Three Lions want control in midfield.

1. Dusan Tadic vs Kieran Trippier

Out wide, the battle between Serbia’s creative star Tadic and England’s Trippier at left-back could be vital. Tadic is Serbia’s most experienced player and chief creator who will look to exploit space and link play down that side.

However, Trippier is an excellent defender who will aim to use his defensive skills to stop Tadic’s clever movement and chance creation in the final third.

Whichever player gets on top in each of these battles could swing the big match in their nation’s favour in Gelsenkirchen.

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