Another talisman from England was not at all his best.
England’s head boy, Jude Bellingham, was instrumental in the team’s victorious start in Germany under Gareth Southgate.After just 13 minutes, the Real Madrid star broke the scoreless draw with a brilliant header that took advantage of a deflected cross from Bukayo Saka. He exuded quality the entire time.
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Similar to the World Cup in Qatar, Bellingham scored England’s opening goal of the competition with a header.
Iran was the opponent in that match, which Southgate’s team easily defeated 6-2.
However, as Serbia applied heavy pressure in the second half and Southgate’s team had a few close calls, the atmosphere here in Gelsenkirchen became a little more tense.
England began to retreat more and more, losing the composure they had shown in the first half.
But ultimately they got the three points required – and just their third clean sheet in their last eight games.
Here is how SunSport rated England’s display in their opening game of the Euros.
Jordan Pickford – 7
Did not have too many saves to make, in truth, but then was alert to cracker of a strike from Dusan Vlahovic late on.
Marshalled his defence throughout with his usually vocal approach. His distribution, particularly with long balls, continues to be an asset.
8England were in control of the match throughout
Kyle Walker – 7
Delicious ball in behind from England’s vice captain released Saka in the build-up to our opener.
The Manchester City man probably should have had a goal of his own too when racing in behind, but he tried to tee up one of Harry Kane or Phil Foden instead and found neither.
John Stones – 6
OK display from England’s most experienced centre-back, who just about cleared a dangerous cross late deep into first-half stoppage time.
Had missed training on Wednesday due to a stomach bug, confessing he felt utterly dreadful, but this result will have perked him right up.
Marc Guehi – 7
Looked anything but the weak link in England’s defence that many had portrayed him to be in the build-up.
Crystal Palace man Guehi was sharp against two top strikers in Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic, fully justifying Gareth Southgate’s faith in him.
Kieran Trippier – 7
Despite not being the tallest, the Newcastle player won a lot of high balls with some daring heads. Despite being a right-back by nature, he occasionally provided actual width by flying up the left side.
Declan Rice – 8
A mature and disciplined performance from one quarter of England’s leadership group that also includes Harry Kane, Walker and Bellingham.
Rice played in front of the defence, unlike the No8 role he has had of late for Arsenal, and was a calming presence when mopping up throughout.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7
An all-action display from Liverpool’s hybrid full-back, who started in the middle of midfield.
One particular first-half interception almost sparked a goal for Kyle Walker – though Trent was also a tad fortunate at one pont when his miscontol was not punished by Mitrovic who fired wide.
Jude Bellingham – 9
What a player and what a privilege it is that we get to call him ours.
Starting his third major tournament aged just 20, the Real Madrid superstar proved he belongs on this stage with a masterful performance which included a brilliantly brave header to give England the lead.
8Bellingham is becoming England’s talisman
8The Real Madrid star was the difference between England winning and losing
Bukayo Saka – 8
England’s best player on the night after Bellingham, Saka was electric down the right hand side, having his opposing defender on toast several times.
It was his deflected cross which assisted Bellingham’s opener. Was taken off with 15 minutes to go, having recently come back from a groin injury.
Harry Kane – 5
England’s captain – and darling of Germany after his incredible impact with Bayern Munich this season – had a quiet game.
He must have thought he had killed the game off when rising for a late header, but it was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar.
8Harry Kane was quiet but saw a header touched onto the crossbarCredit: Getty
Phil Foden – 5
Not at his sharpest. The Premier League footballer of the year had a few moments where if his touch and passing had been on point then it could have led to something, but they were not.
The curious case of how to translate his Manchester City form to England continues.
Subs
Conor Gallagher (for Alexander-Arnold, 69) – 6
Came on to try to shore things up after sustained Serbian pressure in the second half.