WATCH: Jude Bellingham scores first England goal of Euro 2024 against Serbia
Jude Bellingham got onto the end of a deflected Bukayo Saka cross to head England in front against Serbia at Euro 2024
Jude Bellingham's header provided England with their first goal of Euro 2024 early on in their opening group stage game against Serbia.
Gareth Southgate named an attack-minded line-up with Harry Kane supported by Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, with John Stones stepping out of defence to join Declan Rice in central midfield, allowing Trent Alexander-Arnold to push forward as well.
That paid off as England took the lead in the 13th minute to get their Euro 2024 campaign off to an ideal start - Bellingham being the first man to get his name on the scoresheet for the Three Lions this summer.
WHAT A START FOR ENGLAND! 💥Jude Bellingham heads the Three Lions ahead 🔥#BBCEuros #Euro2024 #SRBENG pic.twitter.com/CItON2je22June 16, 2024
Jude Bellingham header gives England lead over Serbia
At the end of a long passing move, Saka got in behind the Serbia left-back off Kyle Walker's ball and put in a deflected cross that the Real Madrid man met superbly with a powerful header.
That marks Bellingham's fourth goal in an England shirt and his second at a major tournament after he also opened the scoring in a 6-2 rout of Iran at the 2022 World Cup.
England are among the favourites to go the whole way out in Germany this summer having reached the final at the last edition of the Euros.
Italy ran out triumphant on that occasion at Wembley, however, winning a penalty shootout after the two sides could not be separated in 120 minutes of play.
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Serbia have not appeared at a European Championships since gaining full independence but did feature in the group stages the World Cup in 2010, 2018 and 2022.
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Steven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication, WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.