England kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Serbia, thanks to a stellar performance by Jude Bellingham. The young midfielder, who has been in sensational form for both club and country, once again proved his worth by scoring the only goal of the game with a powerful header.
Bellingham’s dynamic display not only secured the win for England but also endeared him to the fans, who have quickly embraced him as a new hero. His relentless work rate and physical presence on the pitch make him a formidable force to reckon with, and his performance against Serbia further solidified his status as one of England’s key players.
While Bellingham stole the show, Phil Foden, another talented midfielder, failed to make a significant impact in the game. Despite his impressive performances for Manchester City, Foden struggled to find his rhythm in England’s setup, raising questions about his role in the team moving forward. Southgate will need to address this issue before England’s next match against Denmark.
England’s overall performance was solid but lacked the control and intensity needed to dominate the game fully. They allowed Serbia back into the match at times and were fortunate not to concede an equalizer. Moving forward, Southgate will need to work on maintaining consistency and focus throughout the game to avoid similar lapses in the future.
Bukayo Saka justified his selection in the starting lineup with a fine display on the right flank, providing the assist for Bellingham’s goal. The Arsenal winger’s pace and creativity added a new dimension to England’s attack, making him a valuable asset for the team. His partnership with Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right side also showed promise, giving Southgate more options going forward.
Speaking of Alexander-Arnold, the Liverpool full-back was deployed in a midfield role by Southgate, a decision that raised eyebrows before the game. While Alexander-Arnold showed glimpses of his passing range and vision, he also struggled at times to adapt to his new position. As England progress in the tournament, it will be interesting to see if Southgate persists with this tactical change or reverts to a more traditional setup.
Overall, England’s victory over Serbia was a positive start to their Euro 2024 campaign, but there are areas that need improvement. With talented players like Bellingham and Saka leading the charge, England has the potential to go far in the tournament. However, Southgate will need to address the tactical issues highlighted in this game to ensure continued success on the international stage.