England kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Serbia in Gelsenkirchen, thanks to a standout performance from Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham.
The young midfielder’s commanding display and decisive header ensured the Three Lions started the tournament on a positive note.
While Gareth Southgate’s side showcased moments of brilliance, particularly in the first half, they were left clinging on in the latter stages.
Here are seven key observations from England’s opening match, highlighting both the triumphs and areas for improvement as they aim for Euro glory.
1. Bellingham’s Brilliance as Midfield Maestro
Jude Bellingham demonstrated why he’s regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world with an authoritative performance that saw him dictate the tempo and contribute decisively at both ends of the pitch.
His header was not just well-timed but emblematic of his aggressive style, ensuring England got off to a winning start.
Bellingham’s versatility, seamlessly switching between attack and defence, provided England with a dynamic presence that Serbia struggled to contain throughout the match.
- Saka’s Early Spark Fades Bukayo Saka was instrumental in the first half, exploiting space on the right and delivering the crucial cross for Bellingham’s goal.
His pace and creativity unsettled Serbia’s left flank, but his influence waned in the second half, indicating a potential area for Southgate to address.
Saka’s early impact underscores his importance to England’s attacking play, but managing his energy levels and ensuring he remains a consistent threat will be vital as the tournament progresses.
- Walker’s Dual Role Excellence
Kyle Walker excelled in both offensive and defensive duties, a testament to his experience and tactical awareness.
His pre-assist for Bellingham’s goal and nearly scoring himself highlighted his offensive contributions, while defensively, he kept Serbia’s left side quiet.
Walker’s performance was a reminder of his crucial role in Southgate’s setup, providing width and stability, which was pivotal in securing the clean sheet.
- Defensive Resilience Under Pressure
Despite a shaky second half, England’s defence held firm under Serbian pressure, with crucial contributions from Jordan Pickford and Harry Kane.
Pickford’s alert save from Vlahovic and Kane’s defensive header showcased their readiness to protect their lead in critical moments.
Marc Guehi’s calm and assured debut helped neutralize Mitrovic, indicating a promising future partnership with Stones, who, despite his rustiness, managed to contribute defensively.
- Midfield Composure and Control
Declan Rice’s steady presence helped maintain midfield control, though his authority diminished as the game progressed.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, operating in a more advanced role, showed moments of brilliance with his passing, but also posed risks with occasional defensive lapses.
The balance between creative freedom and defensive responsibility in midfield will be key for Southgate to address moving forward, ensuring players like Rice and Alexander-Arnold maintain consistency throughout the match.
- Second-Half Slump Needs Addressing England’s dip in performance after the break highlighted potential vulnerabilities.
Serbia’s tactical adjustments, including higher positioning from Milinkovic-Savic, posed significant challenges.
Southgate’s side must find ways to sustain their first-half intensity and manage game tempo better to avoid similar second-half struggles.
This game management aspect will be critical in navigating the knockout stages against tougher opponents.
- Substitutions and Squad Depth
The introduction of Conor Gallagher and Jarrod Bowen provided England with a much-needed energy boost, highlighting the depth and versatility of Southgate’s squad.
Gallagher’s dynamism and Bowen’s directness offered fresh attacking options, while young Kobbie Mainoo’s brief appearance indicated Southgate’s willingness to trust his squad depth.
Effective use of substitutes could be England’s secret weapon in maintaining intensity and adapting to different match scenarios as the tournament progresses.