Bellingham's Early Goal Ensures England Triumph Over Serbia In Euro 2024

Jude Bellingham emerged as the key player as England commenced their Euro 2024 campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Serbia in Gelsenkirchen. The Real Madrid midfielder's header opened the Three Lions' account in the 13th minute of Sunday’s Group C clash. England maintained their lead, marking four wins from four opening matches at major tournaments under Gareth Southgate, despite Serbia's stronger second-half performance.

Harry Kane nearly doubled England's lead, with Predrag Rajkovic making an impressive save to tip the striker's header onto the crossbar. At the other end, Jordan Pickford made a crucial save from Dusan Vlahovic to keep Serbia at bay. Euro 2020 runners-up England quickly found their rhythm, and their positive start was rewarded when Bukayo Saka's cross deflected into Bellingham's path, who powered home.

The Three Lions faced a scare seven minutes later when Aleksandar Mitrovic narrowly missed Pickford's left post after a mistake from Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield. Kyle Walker also had a chance to double the lead but missed the target on a counter-attack. England's fluidity diminished after the break, allowing Serbia to establish dominance without overly testing Pickford.

Dusan Tadic's introduction increased pressure on England's defence, and Luka Jovic missed a good chance. However, Southgate's team could have secured a second goal if not for Rajkovic's reflex stop from Kane in the 77th minute. Pickford was instrumental again, pushing Vlahovic's snapshot over eight minutes from time, and Kane made a vital block to help England secure the win.

England became the first team in men's UEFA European Championship history to keep five consecutive clean sheets in the group stages of the competition. This achievement was highlighted by OptaJoe on Twitter:

5 - England have become the first team in the history of the men's UEFA European Championship to keep five consecutive clean sheets in the group stages of the competition. Wall. pic.twitter.com/WRVQ4SATJC

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 16, 2024

England’s last visit to Gelsenkirchen ended in penalty shootout heartbreak during the 2006 World Cup quarter-finals against Portugal. Bellingham was just three years old then. Nearly 18 years later, he ensured a happier outcome with his decisive header securing victory at Arena AufSchalke.

Despite a dominant start, England had to hold on towards the end. They managed to secure their 12th victory at major tournaments since the start of the 2018 World Cup, matching France for the most wins during this period. The Three Lions' defensive record also stands out as they became the first team in European Championship history to keep five consecutive clean sheets in group stages.