Football News Update: England Secure Nervy Euro 2024 Victory Against Serbia
In their opening match of the Euro 2024 tournament, England secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen. The game was marked by a gutsy performance from the Three Lions, with Jude Bellingham’s first-half header proving to be the difference between the two sides.
England manager Gareth Southgate was full of praise for the young midfielder, stating that “Bellingham writes his own script.” The 20-year-old’s well-timed run and clinical finish handed England the lead in the 13th minute, and he was widely regarded as the best player on the pitch throughout the match.
“The timing of his runs, it was a super bit of play in the buildup to the goal as well. I think all of our forward players looked really good. I am confident we will score goals,” Southgate said in his post-match comments.
Despite England’s dominance in the first half, they were forced to defend deep in the second half as Serbia pushed for an equalizer. Southgate was pleased with his team’s resilience, stating that “we showed a different side. We showed resilience to defend the box. As a group that builds spirit. We defended well as a unit.”
Bellingham, who has been in impressive form for his club Borussia Dortmund, echoed his manager’s sentiments, suggesting that the team’s ability to grind out a clean sheet was a positive sign. “I think the first half shows why we can score against any team and the second half shows how we can keep a clean sheet against any team,” the young midfielder said.
The victory puts England top of Group C, with Denmark and Slovenia drawing 1-1 in the other group match. Southgate, who handed a start to Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield, was pleased with the performance of his squad, saying, “We have got a squad and we need to use it.”
The Three Lions will now turn their attention to their next Group C fixture against Denmark, as they look to cement their place in the knockout stages of the Euro 2024 tournament.
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