Andy Munro comments on England’s winning start to Euro 24.
I think some England fans are on a different planet when criticising the team’s workmanlike win against a very decent Serbian side. Whilst Scotland were hammered by Germany, we only have to look at Italy’s narrow win against Albania to realise that there are very few pushovers in this tournament.
However, there were both stars and disappointments in England’s win with Jude Bellingham definitely in the former category, topping off an all-action display with a superb headed goal. Other stars included an impervious Declan Rice in front of the back four and out wide Bukayo Saka and Kyle Walker were a constant thorn in the Serbians’ side.
On the negative side, Phil Foden had a completely ineffective game and too often Harry Kane was a lone figure up front, left chasing shadows. Mind you, they say he only needs one chance but was foiled by a brilliant save. In fairness that save was equalled by Jordan Pickford in the last ten minutes to foil the opposition.
In defence Marc Guehi was impressively solid as was Stones albeit to a lesser extent. Further forward, Jarrod Bowen certainly added something when he came on and took some of the weight off Kane. Maybe there is a case for starting them both next time
Overall, it was a solid but unexciting opening performance.
