England fans endure tense 2nd half of Euro opener against Serbia – but Bellingham masterclass makes the difference
ENGLAND fans rejoiced as the Three Lions won their first Euros clash – but it was a tense second half after Serbia came out fighting.
Jude Bellingham‘s header secured Gareth Southgate‘s side a 1-0 victory putting them in control of their qualifying group.
Real Madrid golden boy Bellingham grabbed the only goal at Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen.
But England had to dig in their heels and put in a shift following half time as Serbia pushed forward.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was quickly replaced for Conor Gallagher and Jarrod Bowen came on for Bukayo Saka.
Harry Kane almost gave the Three Lions a two goal lead – but was denied by shotstopper Predrag Rajkovic.
Bellingham was replaced by Manchester United‘s Kobbie Mainoo in a tense final five minutes.
But England put their first-match jitters behind them as they soared to the top of Group C.
Fan zones and pubs back home erupted as Southgate’s secured their first victory.
England fans in Newcastle danced to Sweet Caroline as they watched their side kick off with a win.
The crowd went wild as Bellingham burst the net to give England a deserved lead in the first half.
Chants of “please don’t take me home” and “Bowen’s on fire” blared across the concourse as the Three Lions edged towards victory.
Patriotic fans wore England bucket hats and retro shirts as they nervously watched a tense second half.
Connor Sillom, 26, an engineer from Norwich, said: “I’m not going to lie, I thought we were going to batter Serbia but a win’s a win.”
PLAYER RATINGS
By Tom Barclay
HERE is how SunSport rated England’s display in their opening game of the Euros.
Jordan Pickford – 7
Did not have too many saves to make, in truth, but then was alert to cracker of a strike from Dusan Vlahovic late on.
Marshalled his defence throughout with his usually vocal approach. His distribution, particularly with long balls, continues to be an asset.
Kyle Walker – 7
Delicious ball in behind from England’s vice captain released Saka in the build-up to our opener.
The Manchester City man probably should have had a goal of his own too when racing in behind, but he tried to tee up one of Harry Kane or Phil Foden instead and found neither.
John Stones – 6
OK display from England’s most experienced centre-back, who just about cleared a dangerous cross late deep into first-half stoppage time.
Had missed training on Wednesday due to a stomach bug, confessing he felt utterly dreadful, but this result will have perked him right up.
Marc Guehi – 7
Looked anything but the weak link in England’s defence that many had portrayed him to be in the build-up.
Crystal Palace man Guehi was sharp against two top strikers in Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic, fully justifying Gareth Southgate’s faith in him.
Kieran Trippier – 7
The Newcastle man may not be the tallest but he still won plenty of high balls with some brave headers. He offered real width at times, flying up the left-hand side, despite naturally being a right-back.
Declan Rice – 8
A mature and disciplined performance from one quarter of England’s leadership group that also includes Harry Kane, Walker and Bellingham.
Rice played in front of the defence, unlike the No8 role he has had of late for Arsenal, and was a calming presence when mopping up throughout.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7
An all-action display from Liverpool’s hybrid full-back, who started in the middle of midfield.
One particular first-half interception almost sparked a goal for Kyle Walker – though Trent was also a tad fortunate at one pont when his miscontol was not punished by Mitrovic who fired wide.
Jude Bellingham – 9
What a player and what a privilege it is that we get to call him ours.
Starting his third major tournament aged just 20, the Real Madrid superstar proved he belongs on this stage with a masterful performance which included a brilliantly brave header to give England the lead.
Bukayo Saka – 8
England’s best player on the night after Bellingham, Saka was electric down the right hand side, having his opposing defender on toast several times.
It was his deflected cross which assisted Bellingham’s opener. Was taken off with 15 minutes to go, having recently come back from a groin injury.
Harry Kane – 5
England’s captain – and darling of Germany after his incredible impact with Bayern Munich this season – had a quiet game.
He must have thought he had killed the game off when rising for a late header, but it was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar.
Phil Foden – 5
Not at his sharpest. The Premier League footballer of the year had a few moments where if his touch and passing had been on point then it could have led to something, but they were not.
The curious case of how to translate his Manchester City form to England continues.
Subs
Conor Gallagher (for Alexander-Arnold, 69) – 6
Came on to try to shore things up after sustained Serbian pressure in the second half.
Jarrod Bowen (for Bukayo Saka, 76) – 7
Surprisingly it was the West Ham man given the nod when an impressive Saka was replaced. But Bowen made an instant impact teeing up Kane for a header, which was brilliantly tipped onto the bar.
Kobbie Mainoo (for Jude Bellingham, 86) – 6
Manchester United youngster, like Gallagher, came on to help see it out.
Beth, a 24-year-old hospital worker, said: “Southgate is definitely the one.
“We really enjoyed the game and I think we can get far in the Euros.”
Bellingham walked off applauding the England throng to a deafening standing ovation when he was substituted in the 85th minute after giving his all.
Late in the game, captain Kane came a whisker from matching the man of match’s headed thunderbolt after a brilliant cross from West Ham‘s Jarrod Bowen.
But his effort bounced back out off the underside of the bar to the consternation of fans desperate for a two-goal cushion.
Another scare came moments later when goalie Jordan Pickford parried a powerful long range effort over the bar.
England – playing in an all-white strip – were pushed hard by the tough tackling Serbs in the second half and fans endured nervy spells.
But backed by the booming bass drum of the England Supporter’s band belting out the Great Escape it turned out all-white on the night for Southgate’s battlers.
England are getting closer to finally ending 58 years of hurt in the last few tournaments.
The side crashed out of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar following a 2-1 loss to France in the quarter finals.
It came just two years after the Three Lions heartbreakingly lost on penalties to Italy in a devastating Wembley final at Euro 2020.
England remain firm favourites in the competition but must first face Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia in their group.
Southgate has already faced questions after leaving a number of big names out of his squad – including Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford.
Thirsty fans are expected to sink 300million pints during the tournament as they flock to pubs across the country.
The British Beer & Pub Association estimates pubs will pour an extra 20million pints worth £94million.
Brewery Greene King expects to sell seven million pints at its venues – including 37,000 pints tonight in London alone.
A £2.7bn spending spree is also predicted – surpassing the £2bn spent during the World Cup in Qatar – as fans take advantage of the sociable game times and warmer weather.
If the Three Lions do go on to lift the trophy on July 14, the squad has negotiated a bumper share of the £24million the FA will receive.
Stars such as captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham will share a £9.6million chunk of the prize pot.
Boss Southgate is in line for a £4million windfall, with assistant manager Steve Holland also promised a hefty bonus.
Sponsorship consultant Nigel Currie said Kane and co would rake in millions more in big money deals for the rest of their careers.
England Euro 2024 guide
GARETH SOUTHGATE is under no illusions coming into this competition – it is win or bust.
The Three Lions have never had a better opportunity to end their 58-year wait for a major international trophy given the talent and experience they have in their armoury.
MANAGER: Gareth Southgate
The former England star has come closer than anyone since Sir Alf Ramsey to ending the Three Lions’ trophy hoodoo.
Southgate is aware that the nations expects, and has even suggested he will quit if he doesn’t deliver the European Championship.
STAR MAN: Jude Bellingham
The Real Madrid star is arguably the world’s best player at the moment and gives England the platform they need to dominate big games.
How England attack
England will look to dominate the ball against almost everybody.
Declan Rice is crucial in progressing the ball, Bellingham, Saka and Foden will rotate to pull defenders out of position and Kane can both score and drop deep to provide chances for others.
How England defend
England press man-to-man with the midfield pushing up to support Kane when the ball is lost and look to win it as close to the opposition goal as possible.
However, the left-back spot could be a cause for concern, particularly with Luke Shaw entering the tournament with fitness worries.
Read the full England Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags.