UEFA Euro 2024: Jude Bellingham scores bullet header to give England early lead in Group C clash against Serbia
Jude Bellingham scored a beautiful bullet header to give England a 13th-minute lead in their first EURO 2024 match against Serbia in Group C on June 16. The Three Lions are one of the strong contenders to potentially win the competition. The Real Madrid midfielder has stamped their presence in Germany with his goal.
It was a perfect pass from Kyle Walker to find Bukayo Saka on the right flank, and the Arsenal attacker lifted a perfect cross into the six-yard area. The battle was between Jude Bellingham and Nikola Milenkovic. The England No. 10 got to it first with a flying header, sending the ball beyond the reach of Predrag Rajkovic.
Bellingham has been in the form of his life, enjoying his move to Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund last summer. He won La Liga with the Spanish giants, scoring 19 goals and providing six assists in 28 league appearances. He also helped them reach the UEFA Champions League final, where they beat his former team Dortmund to lift the trophy. They also won the Supercopa de Espana.
Meanwhile, England led against Serbia at the end of the first half, and they will be looking to continue their domination in the second half. The score is currently 1-0, and they will hope to start their EURO 2024 journey with a strong three points.
England manager Gareth Southgate not putting EURO 2024 hopes on Jude Bellingham
While he might be a generational talent at the young age of 20, Jude Bellingham has clearly shown his capability for leading England ahead. However, Three Lions boss Southgate has promised not to put the responsibility of winning the competition on the midfielder.
Ahead of EURO 2024, he told the press (via 90min):
"I'm sure he will but it is not his responsibility to do that. I'm sure he is [able to handle the pressure] but we are not putting everything on Jude. We've got a lot of good players and it is a collective thing to go and try to win this tournament.
"He is, of course, a player with a fabulous mentality and will have a big impact on the whole group."
Jude Bellingham isn't the only available player for the Three Lions in that playmaker position, with Cole Palmer also capable of being a game-changer. The Chelsea star scored an impressive 22 goals and provided 11 assists in 34 Premier League since moving to Stamford Bridge from Manchester City last summer. He could also make his mark in the EUROs.