England win but critics lash out in Germany as so called football expert get the full time game analysis wrong.
Jude Bellingham’s remarkable rise continued as he netted England’s winner in their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia – with boss Gareth Southgate declaring him a player who “writes his own scripts”.
Jude Bellingham’s display was a clear positive as the 20-year-old Real Madrid midfielder – yes, he does not turn 21 until 29 June – drove England on in the opening stages.
Declan Rice then stood firm in the second half to expertly marshal the midfield under increasing pressure from the Serbs, ably supported by an assured performance in central defence by new partnership John Stones and the excellent Marc Guehi.
England captain Harry Kane said the “Three Lions deserved the win” as he gave his reaction their 1-0 win against Serbia.
Harry Kane – on BBC Sport
England failed to provide a statement
But the critics were still not satisfied, while the need for improvement is clear – and an opening win and another impressive display from England talisman Jude Bellingham, Walker, Rice, Stones and Pickford – was not enough for some pundits.
England win but critics lash out at performance
It makes you think they expect England to play some fantasy football, where Foden must dribble past half the team like Maradona and score a wonder goal every game, for them to be satisfied.
In their eyes England failed to provide a statement performance to match the heights reached by Germany and Spain in the opening weekend of the tournament.
Reaction to England’s Euro 2024 opening win over Serbia
BBC Sport – “Phil Foden fails to make an impact on the left side of England’s front line”
“Gareth Southgate’s side lacked control…again”
The Guardian – “Serbia knocked England out of their stride and it was alarming to see Southgate’s players sink back.”
“Alexander-Arnold had a few nice moments before the interval but he also had a very bad one”
The Times – Bellingham gives streetwise England nervy opening win over Serbia
Edgy and gasping for the full time whistle
The Telegraph – Kane had only two touches in the entire first half against Serbia – England will not win the Euros if that continues – Jamie Carragher
Goal.com – “Six reasons why England WON’T win Euro 2024”
Haters gonna hate! there’s no doubt these critics are looking to sell headlines. but some of them missed the balance and failed to put this game into perspective.
5 things missing from England’s game analysis by the pundits
- This was the first game and having nerves is expected, however, despite the they kept a clean sheet. Defending is not a bad thing, and Serbia’s chances were limited to half chances, which is a credit to the defensive block.
- A goalkeeper is on the pitch to make saves, he isn’t there to make up the numbers, if he makes a save, that’s what he is supposed to do, it’s not the end of the world.
- Spain won by a comfortable scoreline but they didnt have it all their own way. No team in this tournament will dominate 100% of the possession therefore it is inevitable the oher teams will have chances, teh job is to make sure you stop them form scoring.
- England have a new formation in the midfield and once this midfield clicks, it will be spectacular. Trent Foden and Bellingham will sync and once they get a feel for each others space, the crossfield balls from Trent to Foden, who will cross for Bellingham and Kane, will be one of teh highlights of this Euro’s
- The main objective is to win the game. Momentum is built on tough games and this is the perfect start.
There is no doubt England will need to improve, but this was at least a result that will send them into their second Group C game against Denmark on Thursday in good spirit.