Jude Bellingham scored England’s first goal of Euro 2024 (Picture: Getty)
England got their Euro 2024 campaign off to the dream start as Jude Bellingham’s thumping header gave them an early lead against Serbia.
After dominating the early stages of the match, England found the net after Bukayo Saka’s deflected cross was met perfectly by the onrushing Bellingham.
The midfielder, who arrived in Germany after a superb debut season at Real Madrid, made no mistake with the finish, thumping the ball home past Predrag Rajkovic to put England in front in the 13th minute.
The goal capped a superb start to the game for England who appeared to have blown away the cobwebs after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Iceland in their final pre-tournament warm-up game.
The goal also moves England to the top of their group as things stand after Denmark and Slovenia – the other two nations in Group C – drew 1-1 earlier on Sunday.
Moments later, however, England were given a warning after Trent Alexander-Arnold was caught in possession, with Aleksandar Mitrovic’s eventual effort flying just wide of the post.
Up the other end, Kyle Walker’s darting run almost set up England’s second but the right-back saw his low cross fly across the face of goal.
Bellingham is already playing in his third major competition for England (Picture: Getty)
Southgate’s side against Serbia was as expected, with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold selected to start alongside Declan Rice in midfield.
‘There’s been a bit of time to work with the group this week and we are looking forward to seeing the players play,’ the manager said ahead of kick-off.
‘[Alexander-Arnold brings] the range of passing we don’t have elsewhere. We are likely to play against a back five and that is sometimes hard to break down and he will help us unlock them.
‘We have to be the best in both penalty boxes. The right mentality and the right emotional approach to the game is important.’
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