GELSENKIRCHEN (Reuters) - A powerful first-half header by Jude Bellingham sent England on the way to a successful launch of their Euro 2024 campaign with a 1-0 win over Serbia on Sunday that began confidently but saw the Three Lions clinging on for the points by the end.
The excellent Bellingham stormed into the box to connect with Bukayo Saka’s deflected cross that sailed across the box perfectly for the 20-year-old midfielder to put the Euro 2020 runners-up ahead from close range in the 13th minute.
The result put England top of Group C after Denmark and Slovenia drew 1-1 earlier on Sunday.
Bellingham, who began the move for the only goal himself, set the tempo for much of England’s attacking play and was cheered to the rafters of the cavernous Arena AufSchalke by the army of Three Lions fans bellowing his name.
Gareth Southgate’s attack-minded team initially found space down the right as Saka linked up with full back Kyle Walker, whose surging runs threatened to help add to England’s advantage.
But after the break, Serbia began to threaten and England showed little of their earlier fluency.
The tally of 11 shots by the final whistle – six by Serbia, five from England - was the lowest in a European Championship match since at least 1980, according to Opta data.
Bellingham took issue when asked by reporters if England’s loss of momentum showed the team remained a work in progress.
“I don’t agree with that,” he said. “I think the first half shows why we can score goals against any team and the second half shows why we can keep a clean sheet against any team.”