Jude Bellingham’s remarkable rise continued as he netted England’s winner in their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia – with boss Gareth Southgate declaring him a player who “writes his own scripts”.
The 20-year-old from Stourbridge near Birmingham, who plays for Real Madrid, is the first European player to make an appearance at three major international tournaments before turning 21.
He has scored at two of the tournaments, too, having found the net against Iran at the 2022 World Cup.
His 13th-minute header in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday ended up being the only goal of the game.
“I am willing to do whatever it takes and am ready to do everything to help the country win this football tournament,” said Bellingham afterwards.
BBC pundit Micah Richards, a former England international, said: “He’s taken the game by the scruff of the neck and this is what you need.
“His composure is remarkable. He’s the leader in this team at such a young age and he knows it. He’s got a great attitude, he’s got everything. I’m running out of superlatives for him. He manages the game really well.
“If he can keep that form throughout the tournament then he is the man we can rely on.”
It was little wonder he was voted man of the match by visitors to the BBC Sport website.
After a season when he won the Spanish title and Champions League with his club side, Bellingham is the second favourite to win this year’s Ballon d’Or award – the prize that goes to the player voted the world’s best.
If England win Euro 2024, he could well carry off that award.
“He’s come out today with the attitude knowing it’s his game,” said former England centre-back Rio Ferdinand on BBC One.
“He’s said ‘guys, this is my game and I am him’. That’s the vibe he’s given me with how he’s gesturing. You have to enjoy your great players.”
Bellingham left the pitch to a standing ovation from the travelling England fans late on.
“Jude Bellingham is made up of amazing people,” Bellingham said. “It’s not just me. It’s because I have such a great support network – my family, my friends, my team-mates. Playing football is the easiest part.
“I have got used to getting into the box, getting wide and trying to do that. I got into that habit at Madrid and I wanted to carry my form into the Euros. It’s a great start for me personally to get my confidence up, and to help the lads get the win is the most important thing.”
