Jude Bellingham fired in a header to get England going at Euro 2024 as they defeated Serbia 1-0.
However, it was a nervous second half for England, who were forced to absorb pressure from their much-improved opponents.
Bellingham calmed the fans’ nerves early on, scoring from Bukayo Saka’s deflected cross from the right in the 13th minute.
The 20-year-old’s goal came just weeks after he finished a brilliant season at Real Madrid by winning the Champions League.
Kyle Walker also had a good chance in the 25th minute, using his pace to get into the box and pass the ball home.
Photo: AP
Fans go crazy after the first goal
England dominated most of the first half but there was a warning of Serbia’s threat when Aleksandar Mitrovic shot a few yards wide in the 20th minute.
Serbia were much better after the break, winning another 50-50 balls and putting the Three Lions behind for much of the last 45.
It was a tense second half for fans in Dalston, east London. Photo: Reuters
Southgate’s side struggled for possession and Trent Alexander-Arnold made way for Conor Gallagher and Saka was replaced by Jarrod Bowen.
Harry Kane He almost made it 2-0 with a header from close range in the 77th minute, but the Serbian goalkeeper pushed it onto the crossbar.
Overall, it was a quiet game for the captain, who has scored 44 goals for Bayern Munich this season.
Jordan Pickford also made a crucial save in the 82nd minute to deny Dusan Vlahovic’s shot from around 22 yards.
Pickford made a great save in the second half. Photo: Reuters
Harry Kane duels with Serbian Nikola Milenkovic. Photo: AP
Kane had a header pushed onto the bar. Photo: AP
Top scorer Bellingham was replaced late in the game by another prodigious talent, Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, but fans will be glad their young star turned out to be wrong.
Speaking after the game, the Real Madrid star thanked his family and support network and said he was happy to continue his good form with the Spanish champions. the euros.
The 20-year-old said he was “willing to do whatever it takes” to help England win.
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The victory puts England top of the group after Denmark and Slovenia previously drew 1-1, but experts say the second-half performance was not good enough.
Former Manchester City player Micah Richards, speaking to the BBC, described the result as “disappointing” and said it was “sad to see” players like Phil Foden underused.
The Three Lions’ next opponents will be Denmark, this Thursday, followed by Slovenia, on June 25th.
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