Jude Bellingham was not happy with Serbia trying to make a comeback during the match. He strongly believes that England’s victory in the Euro 2024 campaign opener should be celebrated, despite some control issues in the second half.
During the post-match conference, Bellingham defended his team’s performance by highlighting the positives. He emphasized that the first half showcased England’s attacking prowess, while the second half demonstrated their defensive capabilities. Bellingham mentioned that the team is still in the process of coming together and improving with each game.
While Bellingham’s confidence in the team is admirable, there are lingering concerns about England’s ability to maintain control in crucial moments. This issue has been evident in past tournaments, where the team struggled to hold on to leads and lost momentum in key matches.
The midfield balance was promising in the first half-hour of the game, with players like Bellingham, Alexander-Arnold, and Rice making significant contributions. However, the team’s energy levels dropped in the second half, leading to a loss of possession and influence on the game.
Despite the challenges, England managed to secure a victory in their opening match, thanks to a resilient defensive performance in the second half. Players like Pickford, Walker, Stones, and Guehi were praised for their contributions to maintaining a clean sheet.
Looking ahead, England will need to work on improving their ball retention and controlling games better to avoid losing momentum in critical situations. While the team has shown progress in recent years under Southgate’s leadership, there is still room for improvement in maintaining composure and dominance throughout matches.
With a win in their first game, England can build on this momentum and address their control issues as they prepare to face Denmark in the upcoming fixture. The team’s ability to learn from their mistakes and adapt their gameplay will be crucial in their Euro 2024 campaign.