Jude Bellingham Fires England to Opening Euro 2024 Win, Yet Doubts Persist in Three Lions’ Pursuit for Maiden European Title Despite 1-0 Victory over Serbia in Gelsenkirchen.
England’s Euro 2024 campaign kicked off with a triumph as Jude Bellingham’s header secured a 1-0 win over Serbia at the Veltins Arena on Sunday. Bellingham, the standout player from Real Madrid, capitalized on Bukayo Saka’s delivery in the 13th minute, putting Gareth Southgate’s squad ahead.
Despite the on-field success, concerns over fan violence loomed large before kickoff. Incidents of brawling supporters prompted police intervention in Gelsenkirchen earlier in the day, highlighting pre-existing tensions. Social media footage captured the chaos, depicting clashes outside a restaurant adorned with Serbian flags in the city.
Good start. pic.twitter.com/7TnCQNT92K
— Jude Bellingham (@BellinghamJude) June 16, 2024
England Supporters Cheer as Bellingham’s Early Goal Ignites Game
The atmosphere electrified as England fans erupted in celebration following Bellingham’s swift goal. In the second half, Harry Kane came close to widening the lead, with Serbia goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic deflecting his header onto the crossbar.
Kane achieved a significant milestone for his nation, marking his 23rd major tournament appearance and setting a new record.
🏴🇷🇸 Serbian and English fans clash in Gelsenkirchen, Germany ahead of the Euro 2024 match today
— HOT SPOT (@HotSpotHotSpot) June 16, 2024
The violence started when an English group attacked a Serbian fan base cafe, where one English fan was unable to escape pic.twitter.com/Gg0bnlE9uY
England’s triumph catapults them to the apex of Group C, as Denmark settles for a 1-1 draw against Slovenia in an earlier fixture. Next up for England is a showdown with Denmark on Thursday.
England enters this tournament as one of the frontrunners. Meanwhile, Serbia’s return to the Euros after a 24-year hiatus adds an intriguing narrative to the competition.