Alan Shearer spots two problems for England as he makes prediction for Euro 2024 opener

Alan Shearer is backing England to beat Serbia in their Euro 2024 opener - but he's warned of the considerable threat posed by opposition strikers Dusan Vlahovic and Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Gareth Southgate will lead his squad into their first of three group matches against the Serbians on Sunday, looking to give the Three Lions the perfect start. However Shearer has warned that, with a stunning total of 71 goals scored between them for their national side, Mitrovic and Vlahovic are a force not to be overlooked.

The Newcastle legend emphasised the risk, particularly from an aerial point of view. Speaking to Betfair, he stated: "I think England should win the game. Serbia have Mitrovic and Vlahovic up front, if they decide to go with those two. I think Mitrovic will definitely play, they will look to rain crosses in because that's what he wants and demands, and he gets all the goals for them."

Premier League fans will readily recognise Mitrovic, with the formidable Serbian player having spent three seasons at Newcastle before moving on to Fulham. It was there where he amassed over a century of goals for the Cottagers.

Aged 29, Mitrovic relocated from the UK to Saudi Arabia last year, joining Al-Hilal where he so far he has achieved an outstanding record of 28 goals in as many games for the Saudi Pro League outfit, reports the Mirror. Vlahovic, an imposing forward who has been playing in Italy since 2018 with stints at Fiorentina and Juventus, may not be familiar to UK fans.

However, the 24-year-old has netted 77 goals during his time in Serie A and scored 13 goals in 27 appearances for his national side. His impressive form has led to speculation about a potential move to Arsenal or Manchester United.

Despite Shearer's cautionary words, he remains confident that England will overpower the Serbians. "England should have far too much for them in forward positions so I would say England to win by two or three," he predicted.

The Match of the Day pundit is optimistic about England's chances in their first game in Germany this summer. However, there may be some lingering doubt among fans due to the fact that the Three Lions have only ever won their opening match at the Euros once.

This victory came when they defeated Croatia 1-0 in their first fixture of Euro 2020, which was played in 2021 due to the pandemic. Despite acknowledging that opening fixtures can be "cagey", Shearer firmly believes that Southgate's team will start with a win.

He said: "Opening games are never easy, a lot of the time they're always cagey affairs, but I would think England can score two or three and win."