Jude Bellingham hailed for ‘brilliant arrogance’ as England get off to winning start at Euro 2024

Jude Bellingham received deserved plaudits as his goal gave England a 1-0 win in their opening match at Euro 2024.

The Real Madrid sensation headed in the Three Lions’ only goal over Serbia after 13 minutes, his fourth international goal.

Bellingham was once again the star of the show for England

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Bellingham was once again the star of the show for EnglandCredit: AFP
Bellingham’s appearance made history as he became the youngest European player to feature at three major tournaments.

And his goal proved to be enough for England to open their Group C campaign with a close, yet deserved win in Gelsenkirchen.

Not only this, but he asserted his strength and commanding midfield qualities against Serbia throughout the match, which caught the eye of former Three Lions defender Stuart Pearce.

Speaking at half-time on commentary for talkSPORT, he said: “He’s gone into the game with confidence.

“When he scores his goal, the confidence goes through the roof, he’s got brilliant arrogance on a football pitch. I’ve got to say, the bravery of the goal as well, something that maybe he’s renowned for, maybe he isn’t, I don’t know.

“He’s gone full stretch, I think he’s second favourite to be get on the end of that, you could split your head open with that, he’s gone in irrelevant to that and put the ball in the back of the net, fantastic from his point of view.”

Bellingham and Filip Kostic had a slight coming together after the goal, with the former briefly bumping into him.

His opponent didn’t appreciate this much but England’s hero stayed calm when the Serbian reacted, with his cool head remaining until he was substituted late on.

Tensions ran high in what proved to be a close match
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Tensions ran high in what proved to be a close matchCredit: Getty

Bellingham received a standing ovation from England fans when he was substituted
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Bellingham received a standing ovation from England fans when he was substitutedCredit: Getty
Bellingham’s goal only adds to the incredible success he has had in the past year at Madrid, with whom he won LaLiga, the Champions League and Spanish Super Cup last season.

He is considered to be one of the best players in world football but when asked what it’s like to be him at the moment, he was humble in his response.

“It’s alright, yeah, it’s alright, could be worse,” he joked to the BBC. “But nah, Jude Bellingham is made up of amazing people really, it’s not just me who turns up and able to play football and just enjoy it like I do.

“It’s because I have such a great support network, my family, my friends, my teammates here and in Madrid. So I’m just so fortunate and the football is the easiest part.”

Bellingham was a cut above the rest in England's win
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Bellingham was a cut above the rest in England’s win
England were made to work throughout much of the second half as Serbia fought for a response.

Harry Kane had an excellent chance to make it 2-0 late on but his effort was saved onto the crossbar and then cleared from danger.

The final ten minutes proved to be a tense affair for both sides but England held on to claim three massive points at Euro 2024.

Victory takes them top of Group C following Slovenia and Denmark’s 1-1 draw earlier in the day, with the Danes the Three Lions’ next opponents on Thursday.