Profitable was precisely what supervisor Southgate needed, however this was removed from excellent as England made exhausting work of placing away a workmanlike however uninspiring Serbia.
The Euro 2020 runners-up seemed on target to comfortably dispatch Serbia after getting that early lead however, as so typically has been the case previously, there was a drop-off after half-time that inspired their opponents, Pickford coming to the rescue.
England had main positives within the performances of Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, who seemed refreshed and notably harmful within the first half, whereas Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi did all the pieces required as John Stones’ new companion.
Southgate was insistent beginning with three factors was paramount within the group. The target was achieved however not with out leaving the supervisor points to pore over earlier than England play Denmark.
Alexander-Arnold confirmed how he can add an additional attacking dimension in midfield, however he additionally conceded possession in harmful territory, notably when Aleksandar Mitrovic shot narrowly extensive within the first half.
England’s left facet of Kieran Trippier and Phil Foden didn’t perform anyplace close to expectation. Foden, a participant who carried out so fantastically in Manchester Metropolis’s Premier League title win, was an unusually peripheral determine.
For now, the win will fulfill Southgate, however there may be a lot to work on.
