As the European Championship duel between Serbia and England approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating what could be a thrilling football festival. Despite security concerns, both teams are gearing up for what is officially classified as a high-risk match. The game is set to take place in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday at 9 p.m., and the expectations are high.
England enters the Group C match as one of the favorite contenders for the 2024 European Championship, while Serbia, under the confident guidance of national coach Dragan Stojkovic, is not to be underestimated. Stojkovic's optimism is palpable as he emphasized the quality and determination of his squad. 'People will be able to enjoy our game. We are a team that wants to play,' he affirmed, dismissing any fear of England's star-studded lineup that includes Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.
The Serbian coach predicted an open and competitive match, underscoring that his team would not simply sit back and defend against England's superior squad. 'Everyone has trained at the highest possible level,' Stojkovic confirmed, adding that Serbia is ready to meet the challenge imposed by England. 'If someone says they are determined to become European champions, they have to prove it on the pitch,' he stated, challenging England's ambitions.
On the other side, England's manager Gareth Southgate acknowledged the pressure on his team, especially on players like captain Harry Kane and the young Jude Bellingham, who has quickly risen to prominence after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid. 'We shouldn't expect him to carry the burden of the whole team,' Southgate said of Bellingham, praising his attitude and adaptability.
Security measures for the game are heightened, with a significant increase in police presence and restrictions on alcohol consumption within the stadium. Despite the efforts, there have already been reports of clashes between fans in Gelsenkirchen, raising concerns about potential riots during the match. Nevertheless, both Southgate and Stojkovic have called for calm and sportsmanship from their supporters.
Southgate expressed his excitement and the honor he feels leading England in such a crucial tournament. 'It's a very tough match and with Serbia, anything can happen,' warned Harry Kane, acknowledging the capabilities of their opponents. Meanwhile, Stojkovic singled out Bellingham as a key player to contain, describing the young England midfielder as a future golden ball winner. 'We cannot give him too much space or free time,' he remarked, highlighting the importance of neutralizing Bellingham's influence on the game.
- The game, being a high-risk match, has compelled authorities to ramp up security measures significantly. Gelsenkirchen police will deploy more officers than usual to maintain order and prevent any riots that may erupt due to the passionate fan bases of both teams.
- To mitigate the risk, the stadium will serve only beer with reduced alcohol content and there is a strict ban on taking beer into the interior seats, implemented in an attempt to curb possible violent outbursts from fans.
- The stakes are particularly high for Gareth Southgate, who faces immense pressure to succeed after previous near-misses. His tenure as manager could be threatened by a failure to secure notable progress in the tournament.
