Guehi and Bowen react to Serbia win on Lions' Den

Marc Guehi and Jarrod Bowen both expressed their delight at making major tournament debuts in the EURO 2024 win over Serbia on Sunday.

Speaking on Lions' Den connected by EE on Monday afternoon, the pair also described their view of Jude Bellingham's winning goal in the first half of the contest.

Guehi, whose performance earned rave reviews in the centre of defence, was delighted to have made an impact on the biggest stage.

He said: "It was the perfect start. It's nice to get that first game underway, you've done all the preparation and everyone's itching to play. It was nice to get the three points and now we can just move onto the next one.

"It was a tough test for everyone but it helps when you've got so much experience around you. This is the other defenders' fourth or fifth major tournament and they've made it easy for me to feel relaxed. I really enjoyed the occasion and I'm really grateful.

"We worked on that goal all week. They were waiting for us to make a mistake so they could counter, so patience was key. We worked it well, Bukayo's done exactly what he's been doing all season. Jude does what he does, comes in late, scores a great goal, and everyone was buzzing with that sequence of play."

The Crystal Palace defender was also full of praise for Bowen, Connor Gallagher and Kobbie Mainoo, who helped England hold onto their lead as substitutes in the second half.

He said: "The subs did great. Especially yesterday we needed it because everybody put in a big shift. Tripps [Kieran Trippier] was cramping up, Jude was tired, everyone was knackered. Anyone can come on and make an impact.

"It was a relief when the full-time whistle blew. It was a really tough game but we knew a win would put us top of the group and now we have to rest up for the next one."

Bowen was full of life from the bench, smartly getting the Three Lions up the pitch and teeing up captain Harry Kane for a header that so nearly doubled their lead.

The winger revealed that he was just delighted to be chucked into the fray.

He said: "Obviously Harry nearly scored from my cross. It was a worldie of a save, I was behind it and thought it was in.

"Gareth told me to do what I do. I knew my role, we'd worked on it in the week. He told me to freshen it up. It was an intense game, a physical game. I played 20 minutes but I was sweating. We need that rhythm of games but I was able to come on and help us keep the lead.

"The fans were unbelievable. I looked up and watched them when Jude scored and they were all going mad. We know it will be the same in Frankfurt this week. It's surreal. Last EUROs I was in the stands for the Germany game giving it large. To be part of it was incredible."

England are next in action for that match against Denmark on Thursday, which kicks off at 5pm BST.