Gareth Southgate said that Jude Bellingham “writes his own scripts” after the midfielder’s goal guided England towards victory over Serbia in their opening game at Euro 2024.
Bellingham capped an accomplished performance by heading in the winning goal in the 13th minute in Gelsenkirchen.
Although England created few chances after taking the lead and had to withstand growing pressure from Serbia, the England manager was pleased with his team’s overall attacking play.
“He writes his own script,” Southgate said of the 20-year-old match-winner. “The timing of his runs, it was a super bit of play in the build-up to the goal as well. I think all of our forward players looked really good. I am confident we will score goals.
“Playing against a back five, it is not easy to create chances and we did. I liked the fact we had to suffer without the ball because that is an area we have worked a lot on this week.”
The fitness of England’s players will be a concern as they visibly tired as the game wore on and began to sit deep in the second half. Yet, Southgate was content with keeping a clean sheet along with an opening win in the fourth successive tournament during his reign.
“First half we used the ball really well,” the England head coach said. “We expended a lot of energy in the first half and a lot of players haven’t had 90 minutes for a while and I was worried about that.
“We did not keep the ball quite as well and then Serbia had to come. We had less control. I’m pleased we showed a different side. We showed resilience to defend the box.
“As a group that builds spirit. We defended well as a unit. Our team ran out of energy — that did not surprise me — but the subs came on and helped us. We can be more efficient.”
Southgate said that he was delighted with Marc Guehi’s first senior game at a tournament in central defence and also remarked on the impact of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was chosen to start in midfield.
“He has been really diligent in getting his positioning right,” Southgate said of the Liverpool player. “I think he adapted and adjusted really well and used the ball well. We have got a squad and we need to use it.”
'We will focus on the positives'
England have now taken control of Group C, following Slovenia’s 1-1 draw with Denmark, who they face in Frankfurt on Thursday. Although there were aspects of England’s performance that raised questions, Bellingham said he preferred to focus on the positives.
“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,” Bellingham said.
“I think commonly with the team there is a negative feeling around all our games, sometimes rightly so, but I think in this case you take the positives.
"We had to hold on at times and suffer a little bit but when you keep a clean sheet, all you have to do is score one goal to win a game. It’s three points, I think this team is still so new, gelling together with every game.
“Inside the changing room, we’ll be happy with that. It’s special to score any time for England and especially a match-winning goal.”
Harry Kane was not as involved as Bellingham, having just two touches in the first half, but did see a header tipped onto the crossbar in the second half. It was a selfless performance from the England captain, and one that he was content with.
“We knew it’s going to be a tough game,” he said. “Serbia pose some good threats and I thought we dealt with it. We deserve the win. In the group, it’s just about getting through.”
