Gareth Southgate's England squad navigated a tense and physical encounter to kick off their Euro 2024 campaign with a crucial three points, defeating Serbia 1-0 in Gelsenkirchen. While the performance faded after a scintillating start, the result sets a solid foundation for the tournament.
Jude Bellingham The Undoubted Star
The Real Madrid sensation was simply sublime, dictating the tempo and scoring the decisive goal. His powerful, darting run into the box and magnificent header from Bukayo Saka's deflected cross after 13 minutes proved the difference. Bellingham's energy, technical quality, and leadership embodied a complete midfield performance, earning him a clear Man of the Match accolade.
Defensive Solidity Sees The Game Out
After a dominant first half-hour, England faced sustained Serbian pressure. The defensive unit, marshalled superbly by Marc Guéhi on his major tournament debut, stood firm. While Serbia threatened, particularly through Dušan Vlahović and Dušan Tadić, a combination of last-ditch blocks, organised defending, and a crucial late save from Jordan Pickford ensured a precious clean sheet.
Individual Player Analysis
Goalkeeper & Defence
Jordan Pickford (8/10): A spectator for much of the game, his concentration never wavered. Made a vital, strong save to deny Dušan Vlahović in the second half and commanded his area expertly.
Kyle Walker (7/10): Used his blistering pace to nullify several dangerous attacks and provided a crucial outlet on the right flank. A typically reliable performance.
John Stones (7/10): Composed and assured in possession, helping to build play from the back. Formed a solid partnership with Guéhi.
Marc Guéhi (8/10): An outstanding tournament debut. Looked utterly unfazed, making numerous key interventions, blocks, and clearances. A performance brimming with confidence.
Kieran Trippier (6/10): Did a solid job out of position at left-back defensively but offered little natural attacking threat going forward.
Midfield
Declan Rice (7/10): A rock in the centre of the park. Broke up play effectively, shielded the back four, and drove forward with purpose when needed.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (6/10): Showed glimpses of his incredible passing range but was occasionally caught in possession. A mixed bag in his experimental midfield role.
Jude Bellingham (9/10): The best player on the pitch. A goal, endless energy, and a masterclass in midfield play. Simply magnificent.
Attack
Bukayo Saka (7/10): Lively and direct, it was his run and cross that led to the winning goal. Faded as the game progressed and Serbia doubled up on him.
Harry Kane (6/10): Isolated for large periods and had few sights of goal. His hold-up play was good, but he was largely starved of service in the box.
Phil Foden (6/10): Struggled to find his rhythm and influence the game from the left wing. Often drifted inside into congested areas.
Substitutes
Conor Gallagher (6/10): Brought on to add energy and shore up the midfield for the final 20 minutes.
Jarrod Bowen (N/A): Came on too late to make a significant impact.
Kobbie Mainoo (N/A): A late introduction to help see out the victory.
A Win is a Win
While questions remain about the team's ability to control games for 90 minutes, this was a classic case of tournament football: starting strong, scoring early, and showing resilience to secure the result. The Three Lions top the group after the first round of matches, and that's all that matters.
