Jude Bellingham’s extraordinary ascent in football continued as he scored the winning goal for England in their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia. The match, held in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, saw Bellingham net a 13th-minute header that secured a 1-0 victory for his team.
England manager Gareth Southgate lauded Bellingham, calling him a player who “writes his own scripts.” The 20-year-old from Stourbridge near Birmingham, currently playing for Real Madrid, has become the first European player to appear in three major international tournaments before turning 21. Bellingham also scored in the 2022 World Cup against Iran.
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Following the match, Bellingham expressed his commitment to England’s success: “I am willing to do whatever it takes and am ready to do everything to help the country win this football tournament.”
BBC pundit and former England international Micah Richards praised Bellingham’s leadership and composure: “He’s taken the game by the scruff of the neck. His composure is remarkable. He’s the leader in this team at such a young age and he knows it. He’s got a great attitude, he’s got everything. I’m running out of superlatives for him. He manages the game really well. If he can keep that form throughout the tournament then he is the man we can rely on.”
After a successful season with Real Madrid, where he won both the Spanish title and the Champions League, Bellingham is a strong contender for this year’s Ballon d’Or award. Should England win Euro 2024, his chances of claiming the prestigious title could increase significantly.
Former England centre-back Rio Ferdinand highlighted Bellingham’s confident performance: “He’s come out today with the attitude knowing it’s his game. He’s said ‘Guys, this is my game and I am him’. That’s the vibe he’s given me with how he’s gesturing. You have to enjoy your great players.”
Bellingham received a standing ovation from the England fans as he left the pitch. Reflecting on his journey and support network, Bellingham said, “Jude Bellingham is made up of amazing people. It’s not just me. It’s because I have such a great support network – my family, my friends, my teammates. Playing football is the easiest part. I have got used to getting into the box, getting wide, and trying to do that. I got into that habit at Madrid and I wanted to carry my form into the Euros. It’s a great start for me personally to get my confidence up, and to help the lads get the win is the most important thing.”
