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England began their Euro 2024 campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory against Serbia, thanks to Jude Bellingham’s decisive 12th-minute goal. The win places England at the top of Group C, two points ahead of Denmark and Slovenia.
Bellingham, who has had a stellar debut season with Real Madrid, not only opened the scoring but also ensured England capitalized on every opportunity with the ball. His imperious performance earned him a standing ovation as he was substituted late in the game for Manchester United youngster, Kobbie Mainoo.
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Despite the early lead, England looked shaky as Serbia continued to threaten until the final whistle. Strong performances from Marc Guehi, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, John Stones, and Jordan Pickford were crucial in maintaining England’s lead through exceptional defending, saves, and attacking plays. The right-hand side, in particular, was lethal, with the partnership between Bukayo Saka and Kyle Walker posing a constant threat to the Serbian defense. However, apart from Bellingham’s header, their efforts didn’t yield further goals.
It was a tough day for England’s main man, Harry Kane, who had no goals or assists and only one shot on target. Phil Foden also struggled, ending the match with no goals, assists, or shots on target. Trent Alexander-Arnold, deployed in a defensive midfield role alongside Arsenal’s Declan Rice, seemed out of place, leading to numerous Serbian chances.
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Serbia posed threats in both halves but couldn’t find the back of the net. Dusan Vlahovic’s late shot, saved by England’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, was among their closest attempts.
To improve, England needs better performance on the left-hand side and a strong central defensive midfielder to partner with Declan Rice. Eberechi Eze and Anthony Gordon could strengthen the left wing, while Kobbie Mainoo or Adam Wharton might provide the necessary cover in midfield.
Player Ratings
England:
- Pickford: 7.5 – Made crucial saves.
- Kyle Walker: 7
- John Stones: 7.5
- Marc Guehi: 7.5
- Kieran Trippier: 7
- Declan Rice: 8
- TAA: 6 – Out of position.
- Phil Foden: 6 – Ineffective.
- Jude Bellingham: 8 – MOTM.
- Bukayo Saka: 7.5 – Constant threat.
- Harry Kane: 6.5 – Ineffective.
Subs:
- Kobbie Mainoo: 6.7 – Short cameo.
- Jarrod Bowen: 6.9 – Added threat.
- Connor Gallagher: 6.5
Serbia:
- Rajkovic: 6.8
- Veljkovic: 6
- Milenkovic: 6
- Pavlovic: 7.2 – Strong defensively.
- Zivkovic: 6.5
- Lukic: 6.5
- Gudelj: 6.2 – Came on at half time.
- Kostic: 6 – Subbed off due to injury.
- Vlahovic: 6.9
- Milinkovic-Savic: 7 – Best in the squad.
- Mitrovic: 6.5 – Struggled.
Subs:
- Mladenovic: 6.5
- Ivan Ilic: 6.8 – Applied pressure.
- Tadic: 6.8 – Threatened after coming on.
- Jovic: 6.5
- Birmancevic: 6.6
England will be satisfied with the win and, with another victory, can secure their spot in the knockout stages. However, there is still plenty of work to be done.
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