While England stumbled to a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Iceland in their final preparation game, their Group C opponents Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia all impressed with strong performances.
Serbia, England’s first challenge in the European Championship on Sunday, June 16, showcased their prowess with a commanding 3-0 victory over Sweden. Goals from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Aleksandar Mitrovic, and Dusan Tadic sealed the deal for Dragan Stojkovic’s side.
Mitrovic, formerly of Fulham and Newcastle, found the net with a low shot into the bottom corner, while Tadic, a former Southampton and Ajax playmaker, added the third with a powerful shot into the top corner.
- Where England faltered, Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia thrived in their final preparations
- England will face Serbia in their Euro campaign opener on Sunday, June 16
Serbia put on a show against Sweden, with Milinkovic-Savic meeting Andrija Zivkovic’s cross at the back post to open the scoring. Mitrovic, Serbia’s all-time leading goalscorer, added to the tally with a well-placed shot, before Tadic sealed the victory with a powerful finish.
Dusan Tadic scored the third goal in Serbia’s impressive victory over Sweden
Serbia will be England’s first challenge in the European Championship on Sunday, June 16
Denmark, who gave England a scare in the 2021 semi-finals, continued their impressive form with a 3-1 win over Norway. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Jannik Vestergaard, and Yussuf Poulsen found the net for the Danes, while Erling Haaland scored for Norway.
England suffered a defeat at the hands of Iceland in their final preparation game
Hojbjerg opened the scoring for Denmark with a low shot from outside the box, while Vestergaard doubled the lead with a header from a corner. Haaland’s goal was ruled out by VAR, but he later found the net with a well-taken finish. However, it was Denmark who had the last laugh, with Poulsen scoring a simple third after a mistake from Norway’s goalkeeper.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was on the scoresheet as Denmark defeated Norway ahead of the Euros
Denmark, England’s second opponent, will be a force to be reckoned with
Slovenia, England’s final group opponents, drew 1-1 with Bulgaria in their final warm-up game. Kiril Despodov opened the scoring for Bulgaria from the penalty spot, but Andraz Sporar quickly equalized for Slovenia. Slovenia’s star goalkeeper, Jan Oblak, will be a formidable obstacle for Harry Kane and England to overcome.
Slovenia’s star goalkeeper, Jan Oblak, will be a tough opponent for England
With just two losses in the last 12 months, Slovenia are a force to be reckoned with. England will need to be at their best to overcome these Group C opponents.