Serbia 0-1 England: The good, the bad, and the overreaction
England began their Euro 2024 campaign in Germany, beating a headstrong Serbia side 1-0, a job well done? Well not in England apparently.
Truthfully, it wasn’t all plain sailing, but the first game of the tournament never is, and despite the negativity a lot of English media loves to push out, the performance answered a lot more questions than it created.
Let’s break this one down.
The Good
Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham came as billed, a superstar for Real Madrid and a superstar in this game. England were well on top in the first half, with Bellingham being at the heart of it, capping it off with his headed goal.
We all knew Jude would start, that was obvious, but what wasn’t, was who would partner Declan Rice within the holding role. In the end it was Trent Alexander-Arnold, who complimented Bellingham’s runs with his wide range of passing. It is clear, when in forward transition, England only need one player to occupy that holding role.
Bellingham is the key for England this tournament, he is everything to this team. He is going to get beaten in every game, but for England to win, they need him at every phase, and he seems more than up for that challenge.
Geuhi’s Defensive Stronghold
An all-right footed defence created a lot of doubts before the game, but in the majority, played I very well. John Stones, who was touted as England best defender, looked sloppy and tired at times, but Marc Guehi stepped up to the plate, bringing the back four together, and leaving a rather strong defensive performance. Whilst there are obviously kinks to work out, with Stones getting up to speed, the initial back four performed to a top level.
The Substitutes
Never once did I think I would find myself praising a tactical decision by Gareth Southgate, but here we are. In the second half Serbia came out as if they’d had the hairdryer thrown at them, and as is always the case in the first game, England looked a tad nervy. To combat this, Southgate brought on Conor Gallagher for Trent, just calming the midfield and giving the team a little more control. Following this, Jarrod Bowen was introduced, opening up the game, and almost creating an assist for Harry Kane towards the end. Whilst I would have liked a few more changes personally, decisions were made at the right time, and allowed England to see out the dreaded opening game with all three points.
Attacking Fluidity
Now I’m not out here saying going forward we were amazing, but the connection down the right side was sublime in spells. Between Kyle Walker, Bellingham and Bukayo Saka, it was England’s best attacking outlet. Whilst this needs to be replicated elsewhere, it is great sign of what we may see from England. Once again, remember, this is only the first game.
The Bad
The Left-Hand Side
This is the problem area. The left-hand side, was almost immaterial in this game, stemming from that all right-footed defence. Kieran Trippier barely passed the ball forward, meaning that whilst out wide, Phil Foden barely received the ball. A lot of people were quick to jump on Foden’s case but truthfully, it’s quite hard the push forward when the player behind you never gives you the ball. I agree that despite this, Foden was quiet, but in my opinion, he is not fully at fault. Luke Shaw is due to be back for the final game of the group stage, and whilst not wanting to give in to the English media, whilst Trippier is in, I would personally start Anthony Gordon, to give the team a different dynamic.
The Three-Striker Conundrum
Southgate made the decision to involve three central strikers in his squad for this tournament. This differs from his usual approach, as he has stated in the past he doesn’t like to take more than two forwards. Despite this, he included three and this creates a conundrum, when will they play? We all know Kane is number one, no problem, but when will the other two be involved. Southgate decided against involving either in the late stages of this game, and that is something that worries me. Kane had barely had a touch, but when he did, he had nearly scored. By the final ten, England were in control, why not try a different dynamic, get one of the other two on? But Southgate held. Southgate has done a lot of things differently this year, and whilst I can easily believe he played it cautious, being the first game, I’m hopeful this won’t be the case going forward.
It's very much like England to overreact after every game, and this is no exception, but tournaments are long, and the positives out way the negatives. All but one of the perennial big hitters have struggled in their opening game, which highlights just why three point is so important.
No matter what, it is important to get that win in the first game, it has been the narrative leading up to this, and England did that. Onto Denmark.
