At the final whistle, there was more relief than euphoria. Before the start of this European Championship, England was considered a major favorite. As a team that could finally break their country’s long tournament curse. On Sunday, they took the first step towards their big goal with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Serbia – albeit only just.
Thanks to an early goal by Jude Bellingham, England were still able to celebrate in the end. In the first European Championship game since losing the final at Wembley in 2021, this talented team did not show its most enchanting side. But the efficiency was there, and in the end the result was right.
“We had to suffer a bit today, but we kept a clean sheet and therefore won the game. So we were very happy in the dressing room,” said Bellingham after the game.
It is now a slightly different England that is vying for the title in Germany. Compared to the last European Championship, on Sunday there was a new partner for John Stones in defence in Marc Guehi, a new striker in midfield in Declan Rice, and a new world star in the front row in Bellingham.
Fans celebrate Jude Bellingham
Bellingham was the linchpin in the early stages as England patiently searched for a gap in a well-organised Serbian defence. When they finally found it in the 13th minute, the Real Madrid superstar was there to head home Bukayo Saka’s cross at the far post.
The English fans had already called his name. Now they sang his praises even louder and more exuberantly with the old Beatles hit “Hey, Jude”. On the pitch, however, things became more tense because England held back and Serbia had little to offer. After Trent Alexander-Arnold lost the ball, Aleksandar Mitrovic almost equalized. On the other side, Kyle Walker wasted a great chance to counterattack. Until half-time, however, such goal-scoring scenes remained the exception.
Apart from a good header opportunity for Harry Kane, there was little to celebrate after the break. The Serbs came out of the dressing room stronger and kept having half chances in the second half. The Three Lions didn’t have to worry too much and in the end it was a case of task accomplished. Or in efficient English: job done.