Winning was exactly what manager Southgate wanted, but this was far from perfect as England made hard work of putting away a workmanlike but uninspiring Serbia.
The Euro 2020 runners-up looked on course to comfortably dispatch Serbia after getting that early lead but, as so often has been the case in the past, there was a drop-off after half-time that encouraged their opponents, Pickford coming to the rescue.
England had major positives in the performances of Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, who looked refreshed and particularly dangerous in the first half, while Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi did everything required as John Stones’ new partner.
Southgate was insistent starting with three points was paramount in the group. The objective was achieved but not without leaving the manager issues to pore over before England play Denmark.
Alexander-Arnold showed how he can add an extra attacking dimension in midfield, but he also conceded possession in dangerous territory, particularly when Aleksandar Mitrovic shot narrowly wide in the first half.
England’s left side of Kieran Trippier and Phil Foden did not function anywhere near expectation. Foden, a player who performed so superbly in Manchester City’s Premier League title win, was an unusually peripheral figure.
For now, the win will satisfy Southgate, but there is plenty to work on.
Sophie Anderson, a UK-based writer, is your guide to the latest trends, viral sensations, and internet phenomena. With a finger on the pulse of digital culture, she explores what’s trending across social media and pop culture, keeping readers in the know about the latest online sensations.
