In Gelsenkirchen, Germany, England kicked off their bid for a first major tournament title in 58 years with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Serbia, courtesy of Jude Bellingham’s decisive header. Meanwhile, the Netherlands clinched a late 2-1 win over Poland on Sunday.
Christian Eriksen marked a poignant return to the European Championship, scoring Denmark’s opening goal three years after his cardiac arrest on the pitch, but his team was held to a 1-1 draw by Slovenia.
England, touted as one of the tournament favorites under Gareth Southgate’s guidance, showed flashes of their attacking prowess but also displayed areas needing improvement in their tournament debut.
Bellingham, hailed as one of the world’s emerging talents, shone brightly with a standout performance. “I feel like in every game I can make an impact. I can decide a game,” he remarked confidently after the match.
The 20-year-old midfielder, who became the first European player to feature in three major tournaments before turning 21, sealed England’s victory by nodding in Bukayo Saka’s deflected cross in the 13th minute. Despite Harry Kane’s late efforts, including a header off the bar, England had to weather a tense finale, with Jordan Pickford making crucial saves.
In a match labeled “high risk” by German police, minor fan clashes preceded kickoff, resulting in the arrest of seven Serbian fans.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands relied on super sub Wout Weghorst, who struck just two minutes after coming on, to secure victory against Poland in Group D. Weghorst expressed his elation, calling the moment “a dream scenario” at a final tournament.
As the tournament unfolds, both England and the Netherlands aim to build on their opening wins while navigating the challenges ahead in Euro 2024.
England’s midfielder #10 Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group C football match between Serbia and England at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen on June 16, 2024. (Photo: AFP)