Football: Jude Bellingham rescued England, securing opening win over Serbia

England are searching for their first major men's title since 1966, and the journey is off to a good start.

In the opening match, Serbia were initially barely allowed to borrow the ball, and after a slow start, England excelled.

Kyle Walker's pass passed between several Serbian units and reached the speedy Bukayo Saka, who sent the ball in front of the goal with a little help from Strahinja Pavlovic's legs.

It took Jude Bellingham hard work to take care of it and score the key goal.

– I got used to getting into these situations, which created my self-confidence. “I felt calm and prepared,” Bellingham says.

He won the second half

With just over five minutes left in the first half, Serbia's next strike came. Filip Kostic sat on the grass and held his leg. Shortly after, the Juventus player was substituted.

England did not look particularly interested in attacking after the break. The pace was low at times – but as in the first half, there were flashes of lightning in between.

In the 83rd minute of the match, Veljko Permancevic scored a powerful shot and the shot seemed to be in the goal, but Harry Kane was in the right place and headed the ball off the goal line.

Serbia did not come close, and after the first round, England leads the group with three points.

Helping the team win is the most important thing, Bellingham says after the match.

Watch Englishman Jarrod Bowen's tribute to Bellingham in the player below:

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