Serbia vs England: Rio Ferdinand Questions Gareth Southgate's Decision Not to Play 2 EPL Stars

• England kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign in style by securing a 1-0 win over Serbia on Sunday evening, June 16
• The Group C match saw several Three Lions stars benched, with Manchester United star, Kobbie Mainoo, among them
• Gareth Southgate's charges are scheduled to play Denmark in their next fixture before taking on Slovenia next Tuesday

Rio Ferdinand has questioned the decision by Gareth Southgate not to play two England stars during their Euro opener on Sunday evening, June 16.

The Three Lions kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with a Group C clash against Serbia.

According to Sky Sports, Real Madrid ace, Jude Bellingham, was the man of the moment during the clash, with the midfielder's goal the only difference in the tie.

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The 2024 Ballon d'Or contender opened the scoring for his side with a powerful header inside just 13 minutes of action.

Neither side could score again after Bellingham's goal, with England holding firm to the lead to claim maximum points at Arena AufSchalke.

Rio questions why two stars did not play

Southgate made several changes to the team as the match progressed, with Chelsea ace Conor Gallagher and Jarrod Bowen getting some minutes under their belts.

However, Rio has expressed his surprise not to see two England players feature in the tie.

The Premier League legend questioned Southgate's decision to overlook Chelsea superstar, Cole Palmer, and Manchester United youngster, Kobbie Mainoo.

"The game needed a bit more control," Ferdinand told BBC One via Metro UK at full-time.

"Where are the players that can do that? Kobbie Mainoo maybe yes, [come on] a bit earlier if need be. But also someone like Cole Palmer who has got that bit of swagger and arrogance to say give me that ball," he continued.

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England are scheduled to play Denmark in their next clash before winding up their group-stage fixtures with an encounter against Slovenia on Tuesday, June 25.

Erik ten Hag backs England as Euro favourites

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Erik ten Hag appeared to back England to win the 2024 UEFA European Championship in Germany.

The Manchester United coach believes the Three Lions have the 'best midfield' at the championship.