Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham on Sunday evening inspired England to a strong start at Euro 2024, scoring the winning goal and delivering a stellar individual performance in their victory over Serbia in Gelsenkirchen.
The 21-year-old’s remarkable season, which included a Champions League win in his debut campaign with Real, continued to shine as he showed why he is seen as England’s new superstar.
Bellingham brilliantly connected with Bukayo Saka’s deflected cross, scoring a magnificent header after just 13 minutes. This early goal was a fitting reward for Gareth Southgate’s side, who began the match impressively.
England, featuring Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield, fell into familiar patterns after the break, reducing their intensity and allowing Serbia to apply pressure.
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a crucial late save from Dusan Vlahovic to preserve the lead.
Harry Kane nearly added a second goal when his header from substitute, Jarrod Bowen’s cross was expertly tipped onto the bar by Serbia’s keeper, Predrag Rajkovic.
Despite needing to improve, this result will boost England’s confidence as they prepare for Thursday’s second Group C game against Denmark who had earlier in the day played out a 1-1 draw against Slovenia.
