Gareth Southgate's England sent a formidable message to their Euro 2024 rivals with a comprehensive and stylish 3-0 victory over Serbia in their final preparatory match at a buzzing Wembley Stadium.
The talismanic Jude Bellingham was the undisputed star of the show, breaking the deadlock with a powerful, close-range header in the first half. The Real Madrid maestro's early goal settled any lingering nerves and set the tone for a performance brimming with confidence and attacking intent.
New Faces Make Their Mark
While established stars shone, it was the impact of the new generation that truly excited the Wembley crowd. In a bold second-half substitution, Southgate introduced the fresh attacking duo of Chelsea's Noni Madueke and Liverpool's Harvey Elliott.
The change paid immediate dividends. The energetic pair combined superbly for England's second goal, with Madueke's incisive run and shot parried by the Serbian goalkeeper, only for the alert Trent Alexander-Arnold to be perfectly positioned to slot home the rebound.
The scoring was sealed in spectacular fashion as the dynamic Harvey Elliott unleashed a stunning, curling effort from outside the box that nestled in the top corner, sending the home fans into raptures and capping a perfect night for the Three Lions.
A Statement of Intent
This was far more than a simple friendly victory. The performance served as a potent statement of intent from an England squad blending world-class experience with electrifying youth. The fluidity in attack, combined with a disciplined defensive display, provides immense optimism just days before the team travels to Germany for the European Championship.
Questions surrounding squad selection were answered emphatically on the pitch, with players on the fringe of the starting XI seizing their opportunity to impress. The depth and quality at Southgate's disposal suggest England will be one of the most feared attacking units in the tournament.
