da betsul: The midfielder gave an all-action performance to ensure Gareth Southgate's side began the tournament with a victory
da betcris: Jude Bellingham got England off to a winning start at Euro 2024 with a typically authoritative performance against Serbia, although the Three Lions were left clinging on in the second half as they secured a 1-0 win in Gelsenkirchen.
Bellingham picked up where he left off after leading Real Madrid to Champions League glory by scoring the only goal with a superb header, and he was England's standout performer to boot, appearing all over the pitch and excelling in every area.
England struggled to build on their strong first 45 minutes, but Jordan Pickford saving from Dusan Vlahovic and a headed Harry Kane clearance helped get them over the line.
GOAL rates England's players from the Veltins-Arena…
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Jordan Pickford (6/10):
Didn't have loads to do but stayed alert to tip Vlahovic's dipping effort over the bar. Took no chances with kicking, frequently hoofing it forward.
Kyle Walker (8/10):
Excellent in attack and defence. His through-ball helped set up the goal and he nearly scored himself after a storming run forward. Kept things tight on his side, defending with authority.
John Stones (5/10):
Lacked sharpness, unsurprising after missing much of the season and falling ill last week.
Marc Guehi (7/10):
A fine major tournament debut. Calm and classy on the ball and kept Mitrovic quiet.
Kieran Trippier (5/10):
Looked a potential weak link, giving the ball away cheaply in the second half. Barely offered any threat down his side.
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Declan Rice (6/10):
Kept the play ticking over nicely, although lost a bit of his authority in the second half.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (6/10):
Hit and miss, losing the ball in a dangerous area and being let off the hook by Mitrovic, but also set up a sweeping attack with a clever pass to Saka.
Jude Bellingham (9/10):
An all-action display. Got real power on his header to score and played like a man possessed, playing sumptuous passes one moment before flying into opponents the next. A statement performance.
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Bukayo Saka (7/10):
A livewire down the right, causing Serbia all sorts of problems in the first half including setting up the first goal. Slowed down a little after the break and was withdrawn for Bowen.
Harry Kane (6/10):
Very quiet in the first half, taking just two touches. Unlucky not to score when his thumping header was pushed on to the bar by Rajkovic. Made an important defensive header later on.
Phil Foden (5/10):
Poor by his standards, particularly in the second half when he gave the ball away an alarmingly high number of times.
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Conor Gallagher (6/10):
Gave England the energy boost they needed.
Jarrod Bowen (6/10):
Took the baton from Saka and got in behind the Serbia defence, teeing up Kane's header.
Kobbie Mainoo (N/A):
Made his major tournament bow in the 86th minute.
Gareth Southgate (6/10):
Made a strong start and got the all-important win, although should be concerned with how the second half went.