Expected to turn the corner in this Euro 2024, Jude Bellingham made a stratospheric debut with England, this Sunday against Serbia. Author of the opener, the Real Madrid player quickly became the boss of the Three Lions.
He’s not even 21 (he turns June 29), but Jude Bellingham is already showing who’s boss. Expected at the turning point for Euro 2024, after a high-flying first season with Real Madrid, the England international got everyone in agreement from the first match against Serbia, this Sunday, in Gelsenkirchen, only three years after experiencing the competition on the bench.
Starting within a royal English attack (with Saka, Foden and Kane), Bellingham became England’s third youngest scorer at the Euro behind Wayne Rooney (18 years and 237 days) and Michael Owen (20 years and 189 days) opening the scoring in the 13th. At 20 years old and 353 players, the midfielder also became the second youngest player to score in the World Cup and Euros behind Michael Owen.
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Already 25 goals this season
During this meeting, Bellingham showed all the qualities that have made it strong this season. Power, to catapult the ball into the back of the net on a cross from Saka for the opener. Intelligence, to launch all the Three Lions’ offensives. Precision, to scratch a multitude of balls (eight duels won out of ten played) and distribute caviar to his teammates (95% successful passes). But also and above all confidence, to show who is the boss on the pitch, as evidenced by his muscular contact with Kostic.
With 25 goals and 16 assists, club and national team combined, Jude Bellingham reminds us that he remains a more than credible candidate for the Ballon d’Or this year, just like Vinicius Jr. Both players, winners of the Champions League with Real Madrid, could decide between their respective selections, the Englishman playing in the Euro, the Brazilian in the Copa America (June 20-July 14).
