Jude Bellingham knows England have “negatives to get rid of” but believes there is more to come as Gareth Southgate's side focus on the positives after digging deep to win their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia on Sunday.
One of the favorites in Germany, where they finished runners-up three years ago, they flew off the blocks in Gelsenkirchen as they began their quest for glory this summer.
Bellingham's powerful early header gave England the lead, but Serbia went one step further after half-time and Southgate's side were left to sweat as they cruised to a 1-0 win.
The result left them top of Group C and Sunday's man of the match refuted suggestions that the first half showed why they could win the Euros and why they might fall short in the second period.
“No, no, I don’t agree with that,” Bellingham said. “I think the first half showed why we can score against any team and the second half showed why we can keep clean sheets against any team.
“I think there's definitely a negative theme to all of our team's games, and sometimes there are times, but in this case, I think we can take some positives from the fact that we had to hang in there and suffer a little bit a few times. Even though we went through it, we kept a clean sheet.
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Lee Hendrie analyzes England's performance as Gareth Southgate's side beat Serbia 1-0 in their Euro 2024 opener.
“When you keep a clean sheet, all you have to do is score one goal to win the game – three points. I think this is still a new team that sticks together every game.
“Yes, I think in the dressing room we will be happy with that. Of course there will be some negatives that we would like to get rid of, but overall I am happy with the performance.”
Although it's not a role he's played much of before, he's shown moments of great discipline and tremendous passing range. We are learning with him in this role and he has shown some of the characteristics we are looking for. No matter who we play, we're going to be playing young or inexperienced players. It was great to see him pass this test.
'I feel like I can influence and decide the game'
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Jude Bellingham's goal celebration with Trent Alexander-Arnold against Serbia explained!
Bellingham starred as England won their fourth successive tournament opener, demonstrating strength, skill and confidence against physical opposition.
The 20-year-old, who is keen to help the Euro 2020 runners go one step further, said he appeared unfazed. “I enjoy playing soccer.
“I think of each game as one game rather than looking too far into the future. I feel like I can have an influence and decide the game every game.
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England fans across the country celebrate Jude Bellingham's goal during their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia
“But that happens in specific games instead of looking too far into the future.
“I actually really love soccer, so I play without fear when I go out because I love it so much.
“For me, it’s a release and it’s the thing I want to do most in the world, so when I play it doesn’t feel like a big deal. It feels like fun.”
Southgate: Bellingham 'writes his own script' as he lifts England to opening-day win
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Lee Hendrie describes Jude's Bellingham performance in England's win over Serbia as 'amazing'.
Southgate said star midfielder Bellingham had “written his script” after helping England win the tournament.
“Look, this team is still coming together,” said manager Southgate. “Everyone is expecting us to waltz in, but there is a lot of hard work ahead.
Jude Bellingham starred in England's 1-0 win over Serbia at Euro 2024.
“We are missing something. We are looking for the best solution.
“We’ve had some very complex challenges with all of this, but the spirit of the group was there for everyone to see tonight and we’ll definitely grow from it.”
Jude is an unbelievable player. He deserves all the praise, the confidence he has and the way he affects the game. It is important for players playing in his position to get goals and assists. He finished it off brilliantly.
Bellingham epitomized the spirit and skill required for England's deep involvement in the tournament, with Southgate heaping praise on the winner.
“He writes his own scripts,” he told the BBC. “The timing of his score. It was a very good build-up to his play. I think all of our forward players looked really good.”
Jude Bellingham celebrates after scoring a header for England against Serbia.
“I am confident we will score goals. When you play against a back five it is not easy to create chances and we did that.
“I liked the fact that we had to struggle without the ball, because that’s something we’ve worked on a lot this week. We’re definitely a lot better than we were last week.”
'England must find a way to change things'
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Paul Merson has admitted much of England's performance in their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia was 'boring'.
Paul Merson on Sky Sports:
“What we have seen has been the norm for the past few years.
“England started so well. They were great for the first 15 minutes or so. They were patient, they passed the ball well and there was a lot of movement. There were a lot of good plays.”
“They scored a goal and got bored. They got bored with the ball. We started losing possession and giving the ball away cheaply, which put Serbia ahead at the end of the first half.”
Harry Kane avoids challenge from Nikola Milenkovic
“Luckily half-time came for England, but they never came out again after the break. “By the end of the game I thought the players had gone into hiding. No one really wanted the ball like Bellingham was on the pitch.
“We don't seem to have any idea how to change things in the game. You start the game well and then everything slows down and you don't play well. But you can't go from bad to good again. You're stuck at that level for the rest of the day. During the game.
“We have to learn and find ways to change things, but this is a good result. There is still a lot to work on, but we are in control of the group with three points and a draw in the other group.
“I’ve probably disappointed a fan or two, myself included. It’s not going to be as easy in England as we thought.”
Analysis: Familiar concerns are emerging in the UK.
Phil Foden had a tricky evening against Serbia.
Peter Smith on Sky Sports:
“England fans have seen this game before. A fast start followed by a team giving up control and Southgate sitting on as a substitute has become a familiar pattern. Against Serbia – and on many previous occasions – England have We've found a way to get over the line, but it's not a recipe for tournament glory.
“England went from persuasive to worrisome in this opening game, their authority and dominance in the opening 30 minutes giving way to panic in the final minutes as Serbia stepped up.
“Despite all the talk about England’s attacking assets in this team, they were once again down deep and waiting for the final whistle. Waiting is not the hallmark of the European champions.
“But it’s three points. A knockout place is almost certain. And there’s time in the 90 minutes to find a way to play with that initial swagger. But that approach has to come from the top. Southgate has to set that up. ton.”
Key dates in England
Kane had a frustrating evening against Serbia
Always BST
Thursday, June 20th – Denmark v England, Frankfurt, 5pm kick-off
Tuesday, June 25th – England v Slovenia, 8pm kick-off
