EURO WATCH: Serbia Steamroll Sweden, Denmark Trounce Erling Haaland’s Norway, and Slovenia’s Year of Losses Ends at Two

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, England's first opponent, displayed their prowess with a commanding victory

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 setback in their final preparation game, losing to Iceland

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

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

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

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.