Published 16 June 2024 4 min read
England Men's Senior Team
Jude happy to help England to winning start
The Three Lions' matchwinner glad to get three points after tough opener to EURO 2024 with Serbia
MATCH CENTRE: SERBIA 0-1 ENGLAND
Jude Bellingham reflected on a tough start to EURO 2024, after his goal sealed victory over a resolute Serbia team in Gelsenkirchen.
The Real Madrid man headed powerfully home in the early stages to give the Three Lions a lead which they had to work hard to protect.
Serbia came back strongly, particularly in the second half where they really asked questions of the England defence in their search for an equaliser.
“It was a good game, they're a very tough side, very robust, strong and a big group of lads,” said Bellingham, who was named as UEFA’s player of the match.
“It was important that we prepared well for this game and we did. The staff got it right, we prepared all week very well and when it came to the game, we knew what we had to do.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game and it's important that we got a good start, positive inside the camp and onto the next one.”
The Real Madrid man headed powerfully home in the early stages to give the Three Lions a lead which they had to work hard to protect.
Serbia came back strongly, particularly in the second half where they really asked questions of the England defence in their search for an equaliser.
“It was a good game, they're a very tough side, very robust, strong and a big group of lads,” said Bellingham, who was named as UEFA’s player of the match.
“It was important that we prepared well for this game and we did. The staff got it right, we prepared all week very well and when it came to the game, we knew what we had to do.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game and it's important that we got a good start, positive inside the camp and onto the next one.”
Bellingham’s presence was a key element to the victory, with his calmness in possession and mobility around the pitch catching the eye as well as his spectacular header from a Bukayo Saka cross.
“I have got used to getting in the box, playing wide or taking people on through the middle,” he added.
“Playing the ball wide and getting into the box, I've got into the habit at Madrid and I wanted to carry my form into the EUROs.
“It's a great start for me personally to get my confidence up and to help us win the game is the most important thing.
“I have got to be ready for everything over the next six or seven games now and I am willing to do whatever it takes, put my body through whatever to try and help the country win the tournament.”
The Three Lions squad will now return to their basecamp as preparations begin for their next game, against Denmark on Thursday afternoon.
“I have got used to getting in the box, playing wide or taking people on through the middle,” he added.
“Playing the ball wide and getting into the box, I've got into the habit at Madrid and I wanted to carry my form into the EUROs.
“It's a great start for me personally to get my confidence up and to help us win the game is the most important thing.
“I have got to be ready for everything over the next six or seven games now and I am willing to do whatever it takes, put my body through whatever to try and help the country win the tournament.”
The Three Lions squad will now return to their basecamp as preparations begin for their next game, against Denmark on Thursday afternoon.