Analysis:Bellingham the difference in England's hard-fought win over Serbia

GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany : Midfielder Jude Bellingham proved to be the difference as England started their quest for a first European Championship title with an unconvincing 1-0 victory over battling Serbia.

Gareth Southgate's men can take some comfort from opening their campaign with a victory and a clean sheet, especially with Denmark and Slovenia drawing 1-1 earlier on Sunday, as they sit atop Group C ahead of Thursday's game against the Danes.

But they struggled on a night that belonged to Bellingham, who has been pegged as the player to lead England out of the dark years of disappointment and lived up the billing, rushing in to score with a powerful header in the 13th minute.

Bellingham, who became the first European player to make an appearance at three major international tournaments before turning 21, looked nothing like a 20-year-old and delighted the England fans who serenaded him with The Beatles' "Hey Jude!"

On the heels of a spectacular debut season with Real Madrid, Bellingham roamed all over the Arena AufSchalke pitch, making tackles and demanding the ball. His 56 touches in the first half were the highest in an England team who took the game to Serbia.

Bellingham deflected any praise coming his way though.

"Jude Bellingham is made up of amazing people, really," he said. "It's not just me who turns up and enjoys it like I do and just plays football, it's because I have such a great support network. My family, my friends, my team mates. Playing football is the easiest part."

BRIGHT SPOT

Defender Marc Guehi, alongside John Stones in defence, was another plus. With 11 caps before the game, he looked calm and composed at centre back, a position that has caused much concern with the absence of veteran Harry Maguire due