Jude Bellingham was determined to challenge the narrative surrounding England’s performance against Serbia, asserting that the team showed their ability to score goals and keep clean sheets. Despite criticism and negativity in some quarters, the 20-year-old midfielder emphasized the positive aspects of the team’s performance and highlighted that the squad is still in the process of gelling together. While England secured a 1-0 victory with Bellingham scoring the only goal, there were concerns raised about their ability to maintain momentum and control in games.
The second half of the match against Serbia showcased England’s struggle to maintain their early dominance, with the team gradually losing initiative and appearing passive on the field. This trend of conceding control in crucial moments has been observed in previous games, including the 2018 World Cup semi-final and Euro 2020 final. Despite holding on for victories in some matches, England has faced challenges in maintaining their performance levels and controlling games effectively.
The issue seems to be embedded in England’s national team psyche, with a history of losing leads in critical matches. Technical deficiencies in midfield play a role, but the problem extends beyond individual capabilities. The drop-off in performance after an initial burst of dominance was evident in the match against Serbia, with players like Bellingham and Rice being overrun as the game progressed. Maintaining energy levels and control throughout the game is a key area for improvement for England.
While the balance in the midfield was encouraging in the first half, with Bellingham and Rice impressing, the team struggled to sustain their performance levels in the second half. Southgate attributed this drop in energy to the lack of recent 90-minute game time for many players. Despite the challenges faced, England managed to secure a victory, with players highlighting the character and resilience shown in defending against Serbia’s attacks in the second half.
Looking ahead, England will aim to build on their opening win and address the issues of maintaining control and momentum in games. The team’s ability to use the ball effectively and avoid losing the initiative will be crucial in upcoming matches. While the victory against Serbia was a positive start to their Euro 2024 campaign, the team acknowledges the need to improve their game management and performance consistency. Building on their defensive solidity and improving their ball retention will be key areas of focus for England moving forward in the tournament.
Despite the challenges faced in maintaining control and momentum during games, England’s victory against Serbia provides a platform for further growth and development. The team’s character and resilience were evident in the face of pressure, showcasing their ability to defend well and secure important wins. With upcoming matches against Denmark and other opponents, England will continue to work on rectifying their weaknesses and building on their strengths to progress further in the tournament. Overall, starting the campaign with a win gives England a sense of confidence and momentum to address their areas for improvement from a position of strength.
