According to AFP on June 14, Serbian forward Mitrovic is confident he can bring his red-hot form from the Saudi Professional League to stun England in their opening group match.
Mitrovic was instrumental in Al-Hilal’s league and Saudi Crown Cup triumphs last season, even though his profile doesn’t match that of teammate Neymar. While the Brazilian was out injured, Mitrovic scored 40 goals in 43 games, leaving city rivals and Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in tears in the Crown Cup final, earning him the nickname “God of Goals” across the Gulf.
The 29-year-old is now with the Serbian national team for Euro competition and, in an interview with The Times, he declared himself in top form, perhaps the best of his career. Mitrovic stated, “This is the best period of my career, both physically and mentally. I played much more in Saudi Arabia than I did at Fulham, and now I’m at a great club scoring many goals because I play almost every game. I believe I can do the same for the national team.”
Mitrovic has already become Serbia’s all-time leading scorer, netting 58 goals in 91 appearances. His partnership with Juventus forward Vlahovic will be crucial to Serbia’s Euro campaign, which marks the country’s first appearance as an independent nation. As a player who has competed in England, Mitrovic acknowledges England’s strength but says the Serbian team comes without fear.
Mitrovic commented, “If we had to choose the toughest game, it would be against England. Considering the talent they have and their team’s history, it will be our biggest challenge and hardest match. We’re looking forward to it, but we have nothing to lose.”