New Delhi: It wasn’t a piece of cake, but England managed to secure a 1-0 win and crucial three points from their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia, the winner goal was scored by none other than Real Madrid star midfielder Jude Bellingham off a great header.Showcasing his big-stage mindset, game IQ, and a poacher’s instinct honed at Real Madrid over the past year, he delivered a masterclass in the 13th minute in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.
Bellingham has been considered as England’s key to win the Euros, and the youngsters is not shying away from the responsibility.
“I wanted to get on the ball. I wanted to take the game to them early because I wanted to build an energy from the fans to get behind the team. When you’re progressive, it helps in doing that. Trying to be aggressive without the ball as well,” he said after the game.
Serbia manager Dragan Stojkovic highlighted the midfielder in the pre-match press conference, instructing his players to focus on Bellingham, whom he predicts as a future Ballon d’Or winner.
“Yeah, I took a few kicks but it is something I’ve got used to in the last couple of years. It’s about trying to react well and not lose my head and I think I handled that well today,” Bellingham said.
The crucial run
Having located Kyle Walker on the right flank from near the centre-circle, Bellingham made a fast run towards the Serbian box although England had Harru Kane(centre) and Bukayo Saka (right) in more accurate positions. As soon as Walker left Saka free on the inside -right channel, the Real Madrid midfielder signaled to the Arsenal Winger from the edge of the box- wanting the ball to be fed to him as he continued to run forward.
At that moment, Kane was in a favorable position at the near post but was closely marked, with goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic also covering that side. Another Serbian player, Andrija Zivkovic, was positioned at the far post, covering Kieran Trippier. This created a pocket of space for Bellingham to exploit. If he moved too early, he risked Zivkovic clearing the ball. However, when Saka looped the ball into the six-yard box—over Kane and his marker—Bellingham timed his run perfectly, sneaking in from behind and having more than two-thirds of the goal to aim for.
“The timing of his run, it was a super bit of play in the build-up to the goal as well,” England manager Gareth Southgate was awestruck as much as anyone. Rajkovic and Zivkovic, left flat-footed, would’ve prayed for a poor finish. It wasn’t.
Pefrect Header
Bellingham, who has eight inches on Zivkovic, had given himself a further advantage by the final bit of distance he’d covered-a dive to his left, facing the incoming delivery. it also gave hime the force he desired to bury his header, angled further away toward the far post. A top-left corner finish.
Those neck muscles might have needed some serious attention. Back in his Birmingham FC days, Bellingham wasn’t exactly known for his prowess in headers. Even the prodigious talent, courted by top European clubs at a young age, had his shortcomings. Coaches dedicated countless hours to refining this aspect of his game, and it appears he’s made significant strides over the past year.
Until the 2023/24 season, Bellingham had scored only two headers in his club career; a tally he’s since tripled. It shows the work that’s gone behind the 20-year-old at Real Madrid, who’ve brought an even more attacking side out of him.
Multiple roles
In 132 appearances at Borussia Dortmund, Bellingham scored 24 goals. At Real Madrid, in 42 games, he has 23. The reason is simple. Following the exit of Karim Benzema, Carlo Ancelotti has slotted in Bellingham as his central attacking outlet. Often at the head of a diamond midfield, often transitioning into a false nine, and even taking over as the number nine when the formation pivots to 4-3-3.
By occupying these advanced positions at Madrid, Bellingham has sharpened his instincts inside the box. His swift and decisive run to finish off the move on Sunday shouldn’t come as a shock to England fans. Integrated seamlessly among talents like Vinicius and Rodrygo, Bellingham has emerged as a cornerstone of the team that clinched both La Liga and the Champions League titles.
