EURO 2024: Jude Bellingham Gets Unconvincing England Off to Winning Start Against Serbia – News18

Jude Bellingham received England’s Euro 2024 marketing campaign off to a successful begin however a 1-0 victory over Serbia in Gelsenkirchen didn’t dispel doubts over the Three Lions’ quest to grow to be European champions for the primary time.

Bellingham was in a category of his personal in Gelsenkirchen because the Real Madrid midfielder’s header on 13 minutes capped a advantageous particular person show.

But collectively England didn’t match the requirements Germany and Spain confirmed in romping to victory of their opening matches.

Expectations on England forward of a significant match have hardly ever ever been larger however that they had gained simply certainly one of their earlier 5 matches, together with a 1-0 defeat to Iceland of their ultimate warm-up match earlier than jetting out to Germany.

Restored to full energy, it appeared all can be alright on the evening for Gareth Southgate in a dominant begin from the Euro 2020 finalists.

Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic hailed Bellingham as a future Ballon d’Or winner on the eve of the sport and he placed on a present to justify his standing as arguably the world’s greatest participant on present type.

The 20-year-old performed with the swagger of a newly-crowned Champions League winner as he had the Serbian midfield chasing shadows.

“I feel like in every game I can make an impact. I can decide a game,” stated Bellingham.

“It’s a release for me to play football. It’s my favourite thing in the world, so I don’t feel any pressure when I go out there.”

Bellingham additionally confirmed his bodily prowess to open the scoring on 13 minutes.

He began the transfer earlier than bursting into the field to fulfill Bukayo Saka’s deflected cross with a robust header into the highest nook.

Kane pissed off

England have been dominant within the first 45 minutes with out ever threatening to chop unfastened.

Kyle Walker had one of the best likelihood to double their lead earlier than the break when he pulled an effort extensive after a lung-bursting run into the Serbian field from right-back.

The second interval was a distinct story as England sat on their lead and have been fortunate to not be punished.

Southgate’s males got here into the match with query marks over their defence because of the absence of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw’s lack of match follow.

Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi stepped into Maguire’s sneakers, however had a second to overlook as was outpaced by Dusan Vlahovic and Filip Mladenovic failed to attach with the Juventus striker’s cross.

Mitrovic then noticed an optimistic penalty declare waived away and Luka Jovic didn’t take Dusan Tadic’s move in his stride with one other first rate likelihood.

“Second half we didn’t keep it as well as I would have liked but to get the win is very important,” stated Southgate.

“We had to suffer a bit. I think to defend the box the way we did was really good for us.”

Southgate turned to his bench to stem the tide with the introduction of Conor Gallagher and Jarrod Bowen.

Bowen made an prompt influence as from his cross Harry Kane’s header was brilliantly turned onto the bar by Serbia goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic.

That was Kane’s solely vital influence within the opposition field on a irritating evening for the Bayern Munich striker.

Indeed, Kane’s most telling contact got here on the different finish moments later to move away Veljko Birmancevic’s goalbound shot.

Jordan Pickford was additionally compelled into his one and solely save late from Vlahovic’s dipping drive.

But England held on to begin with three factors if not the assertion of intent anticipated from pre-tournament favourites.

(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is revealed from a syndicated news company feed – AFP)