Gelsenkirchen, Germany – Jude Bellingham’s stellar performance and decisive goal lifted England to a 1-0 victory over Serbia in their opening match of Euro 2024.
The 20-year-old Real Madrid midfielder’s dream season continued with a memorable display that showcased his burgeoning status as England’s new superstar.
In a game marked by early dominance and later defensive resilience, England secured a crucial three points, setting a positive tone for their Group C campaign.
Manager Gareth Southgate, opting for a bold lineup featuring Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield, witnessed his team start brightly, but old habits crept in after the break, requiring a strong defensive stand to preserve the win.
Bellingham’s Early Impact
The match’s defining moment came just 13 minutes in when Bukayo Saka’s deflected cross found Bellingham, who powered a magnificent header past Serbian goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic.
The goal was a testament to Bellingham’s aerial prowess and his ability to seize critical moments, further cementing his role as the fulcrum of England’s midfield.
From the outset, England displayed an aggressive, high-tempo approach that rattled Serbia. Bellingham, operating in a free-roaming number 10 role, was instrumental in orchestrating attacks and maintaining possession.
His maturity and composure on the ball, even in tight situations, were evident, offering a potent weapon for Southgate’s side.
Defensive Vigilance
Despite their promising start, England’s intensity waned in the second half, allowing Serbia to gain a foothold.
The Three Lions’ propensity to retreat into a defensive shell after gaining a lead resurfaced, inviting pressure from their opponents. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford emerged as a crucial figure, making a vital save from Dusan Vlahovic late in the game to keep England ahead.
Harry Kane nearly doubled England’s lead with a powerful header from substitute Jarrod Bowen’s cross, but Rajkovic’s acrobatic save tipped the effort onto the bar.
The close call underscored the need for England to be more clinical in front of goal and to sustain their attacking momentum throughout the match.
Tactical Takeaways
Southgate’s decision to deploy Alexander-Arnold in midfield added an extra attacking dimension but also brought risks.
The Liverpool player’s creative flair was evident, yet his occasional lapses in possession posed threats, notably when Aleksandar Mitrovic narrowly missed capitalizing on one such error.
The left flank, featuring Kieran Trippier and Phil Foden, struggled to meet expectations. Foden, a standout performer in Manchester City’s Premier League triumph, was uncharacteristically subdued, failing to influence the game as much as anticipated.
In contrast, Bukayo Saka’s performance on the right was a major positive, as the Arsenal winger frequently troubled the Serbian defense, particularly in the first half.
Defensive Solidity
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, partnering John Stones in central defense, delivered a composed and reliable performance.
His solid defensive work helped mitigate Serbia’s advances, providing a foundation for England’s victory. The defensive pairing showed promise, and Guehi’s presence added stability at the back.
Looking Ahead
As England prepares for their next match against Denmark, Southgate will be pleased with the win but aware of areas needing improvement. Maintaining a consistent level of intensity and addressing vulnerabilities in possession are critical for advancing in the tournament.
Bellingham’s display will be a focal point of England’s strategy moving forward.
His ability to influence the game from midfield, combined with his scoring threat, makes him indispensable to Southgate’s plans.
The young midfielder’s poise and confidence are a beacon of hope for an England team seeking to break their pattern of falling short in major tournaments.
Fans’ Adulation
The standing ovation Bellingham received from the England fans as he left the pitch late in the game highlighted his growing status as a national hero.
His trademark arms-outstretched celebration and his enthusiastic interaction with supporters showcased not only his talent but his connection with the fans.
As he sat relaxed and smiling in the dugout in the final moments, the big screens captured a player at the peak of his powers, enjoying the spotlight.
Conclusion
England’s 1-0 victory over Serbia in their Euro 2024 opener was far from flawless, but it provided a solid foundation upon which to build.
Jude Bellingham’s early goal and commanding performance were the highlights, demonstrating why he is regarded as England’s new superstar.
While the Three Lions must address their tendency to sit back and invite pressure, the win will give them confidence as they head into their next match against Denmark.
Southgate’s squad, bolstered by the individual brilliance of players like Bellingham and the defensive reliability of newcomers like Guehi, will aim to maintain their winning momentum and refine their game plan.
The road to European glory is fraught with challenges, but with Bellingham leading the charge, England’s prospects look brighter than ever.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
