Jude Bellingham embarrasses Serbia in England Euro 2024 opening win as Roy Keane proven wrong
Jude Bellingham was England's star man
REUTERS
Jude Bellingham proved just how much of a superstar talent he is with a commanding performance in the middle of the pitch as England beat Serbia in their Euro 2024 opener.
The Real Madrid star and La Liga Player of the Season scored the matchwinner and put in a sensational first-half performance to seal all three points for England.
It was far from comfortable for Gareth Southgate's side with Harry Kane missing a golden opportunity and Jordan Pickford needed to pull off a brilliant save in the second half.
Southgate will want to see a better display against tougher opposition, but getting three points was all that mattered in the first group game.
GB News picks out four things learned from England's opening win over Serbia.
Jude Bellingham was England's star man
REUTERS
- Bellingham player of the tournament sewn up?
It's only the first England game and the Euros are only a few days old but is there going to be a better player at this tournament?
Every so often a generational player comes along and blows everyone away with their supernatural talents.
Bellingham is that very man and he's exceeding all expectations at the tender age of 20!
Scary to think what he can become and England are always going to be tournament threats with him fit and firing.
- Guehi passes test
One of the only few question marks on Gareth Southgate's starting line-up was the untested defensive partnership.
John Stones and Marc Guehi had started just two games together prior to the start of the Euros and the latter was making his major tournament debut.
But the Crystal Palace star put in an assured performance against a tricky opponent, something that will undoubtedly help him in the latter stages of the tournament.
His pace and power alongside Stones makes England extremely hard to break down with Declan Rice in front of them.
- Roy Keane proven wrong
Roy Keane may have to eat his words by the end of the tournament because Trent Alexander-Arnold looked more than capable in central midfield alongside Declan Rice.
Marc Guehi put in an impressive display at the back
REUTERS
The Manchester United feels Alexander-Arnold will be 'found out' and 'ripped to shreds' against the top teams at the Euros.
But the Liverpool star has looked a natural in midfield ever since Southgate entrusted him in that role.
Bigger tests will come but there wasn't any sign against Serbia to suggest Alexander-Arnold would struggle in midfield.
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Harry Kane dropped too deep at times
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- Harry Kane role
It's something Harry Kane has regularly done in his England career but one that he will have to stop doing in this current side.
When England are going through a tough spell, Kane looks to drop deeper and deeper to get on the ball but it leaves them with no outlet when the ball is cleared forwards.
Bellingham, Rice and Alexander-Arnold fill that midfield area just fine and even Phil Foden tends to drift inside as his natural preference.
Kane's at his best when facing towards goal and England need him to stay close to the opposing defensive line.
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