Real Madrid star and La Liga Player of the Year Jude Bellingham got unconvincing England to a winning start in the European Championships in Germany last night. The English midfielder became the youngest-ever European player to appear in three major tournaments.
England got off to a winning start as Bellingham sealed an early 1-0 lead against Serbia at the Veltins-Arena on Sunday night. The Real Madrid man started in an offensive midfield position, ahead of Declan Rice and Trent Alexander-Arnold and broke the deadlock with a sumptuous header in the 13th minute of the tie. Serbia were outplayed in the first 45 minutes but started the second half more positively.
Why did Harry Kane applaud Jude Bellingham against Serbia?
England captain Harry Kane was impressed by how the Real Madrid midfielder produced a match-winning moment for the Three Lions. Bellingham picked up where he left off after winning the Champions League and La Liga by scoring the only goal with a terrific header, courtesy of a Bukayo Saka cross in the 13th minute.
“[He’s an] unbelievable player,” Kane told the BBC of the Real Madrid midfielder. “He deserves all the praise he’s getting at the moment.
“The confidence he plays with and the way he affects games – it’s important for players playing in his position to get goals and assists, and that’s what he does. He got in the box and finished it off nicely.”
Although it was a rather dull and disappointing performance from the Three Lions, it was Bellingham’s sheer dominance on the pitch that earned him high praise. Bellingham completed most passes in the final third and was ranked second for dribbles.
The 20-year-old midfielder already has registered 29 senior appearances for Gareth Southgate’s side, registering three goals in the process.
Also Read: Wayne Rooney Picks His Top Three Teams for Euro 2024 Success