England started their Euro 2024 campaign with a win, as manager Gareth Southgate wanted, but it was not an easy game against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen.
Jude Bellingham’s fine play provided some of the highlights in a 1-0 win as England got the job done in solid rather than flashy style.
Southgate will be delighted with the three points but the England manager still had plenty to think about ahead of Thursday’s second Group C match against Denmark in Frankfurt.
The glorious Bellingham, guardian of England
Jude Bellingham’s relentless form shows no signs of slowing as he plays for England at Euro 2024 after a brilliant first season in Spain which saw him win the Champions League and La Liga.
Bellingham, then a teenager, shone on the international stage in front of a global audience at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, demonstrating the self-confidence and just the right amount of football arrogance that characterises a truly special player.
Though not yet 21, Bellingham has behaved as if he was born to play at this elite level, once again producing an arresting display and helping to propel England to victory.
Bellingham put England ahead with a dynamic run into the area and a flying header after 13 minutes, but the power was too much for Serbia goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic.
Serbia has had to resort to illegal tactics on multiple occasions to stop Bellingham, but he is extremely physically powerful and has the playing edge to enjoy physical face-offs.
England fans also have a new hero to worship, with a whole collection of chants to honour the player who manager Southgate will be relying on in Germany.
And Bellingham not only embraces it, he encourages it.
After scoring, he was seen celebrating in his trademark style with his arms outstretched in front of the England fans at one end of the Arena Aufschalke, before running back to the halfway line to encourage an even louder cheer from those supporting Southgate’s team at the other end.
It’s a love affair between Bellingham and England fans that will no doubt continue for years to come.
Bellingham has had a near-perfect season and England will now be hoping he can add a final flourish at Euro 2024.
Foden failed to make an impact
Phil Foden was one of Manchester City’s key players as they won four consecutive Premier League titles but he is still struggling to find a place in the England line-up.
Foden’s natural position is central and he has performed well for Pep Guardiola’s teams, but Southgate’s current England system makes it unlikely he will play there, with the team revolving around Bellingham.
Southgate will be keen to use Foden but against Serbia he again struggled to make an impact in an area where potential rival for his place, Anthony Gordon, has reportedly left England’s training base.
The left-wing pairing of Foden and Kieran Trippier does not seem a natural fit and Southgate will have to take this into consideration ahead of England’s match against Denmark on Thursday.
It wasn’t for a lack of trying, but Foden has not been a consistent threat for City at club level.
Foden touched the ball 64 times, just once inside the Serbia penalty box, and although he only created one chance, it was a subdued and unspectacular performance.
No one will doubt the talent of England’s Footballer of the Year, but accommodating him effectively will be a challenge for Southgate.
Foden was not the only player to have a quiet night, with captain Harry Kane only touching the ball twice in the first half.
Southgate’s team is out of control again
England, who are among the favourites due to their major tournament experience and the talent at Southgate’s disposal, looked destined for a mediocre night that would have been the perfect start to Euro 2024.
Bellingham’s header provided the perfect platform but, as they have done in the past, England were unable to maintain their momentum in the second half and gave way too much impetus to an average-ish Serbia side.
England came under pressure against a better team than Serbia and may have paid dearly for it – goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a crucial late save to deny Dusan Vlahovic. England must learn their lesson. And soon.
But ultimately England got the job done and deservedly picked up the three all-important points in the opening match of a major tournament.
England also had the added bonus of enjoying an early advantage in Group C after the first matches against Denmark and Slovenia ended in draws.
Saka justifies his selection
Bukayo Saka had been at the centre of discussions about being left out of England’s starting XI for this tournament due to the emergence of Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, who was outstanding in his first season at Stamford Bridge following his £40 million move from Manchester City.
Palmer has shown in his brief appearances that he is comfortable at England level and could thrive in Germany, but Southgate was right to stick with Saka and was rewarded with some fine performances from the Arsenal man.
During England’s most aggressive period, Saka looked refreshed and dangerous down the right wing, the highlight of which was his cross for Bellingham to score.
Saka is one of Southgate’s most trusted players and has also benefited from the strong bond he has formed with Trent Alexander-Arnold, with whom he played alongside England.
He will stick to his guns and will undoubtedly start against Denmark.
Was Alexander-Arnold’s choice a success?
Who Southgate would choose to partner Declan Rice in midfield was one of the hot topics ahead of the start of England’s campaign.
The manager opted to go with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold as his active attacking option, despite having Manchester United teenager Koby Mainu and impressive Crystal Palace player Adam Wharton in his squad.
Alexander-Arnold’s excellent passing range gives England a new dimension and his ability at set pieces could make him a world-class weapon.
Whether he can fulfil this role against the best international opposition remains the question, but Southgate has made his decision and we will most likely only find out at Euro 2024 whether England progress.
There were moments when Alexander-Arnold’s unfamiliarity with the position was apparent, particularly when he lost possession just before the end of the first half and his shot from Serbia striker Aleksandar Mitrovic missed by inches.
Liverpool full-back Alexander-Arnold also showed off one of his signature moves – an inimitable, incisive pass – and it’s exactly that kind of creativity that Southgate will be counting on as England bid for a first major men’s trophy since the 1966 World Cup.