England started their Euro 2024 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Serbia on Sunday night. Jude Bellingham struck the game’s only goal in the first-half to help the Three Lions to just their second opening game win in ten attempts at the Euros.
Arsenal duo Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka started the game in Gelsenkirchen and both put in decent individual performances. Rice patrolled the midfield well alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold and Saka registered his first assist of the tournament with a neat cross to Bellingham.
Saka came off after 76 minutes for Jarrod Bowen and will be hoping to retain his spot at right wing for Thursday night’s second group game with Denmark. Rice played the entirety of the contest, completing 77 of his 81 passes (95%).
The 25-year-old is expected to be one of the first players on the England team sheet throughout the tournament having established himself in Gareth Southgate’s leadership group for the tournament.
After the win over Serbia, Rice took to social media to celebrate the win. Posting two images of himself and another of him celebrating with Bellingham, he wrote: “Locked in.”
Bellingham, who stole the headlines with his brave goal and colossal performance in the middle of the park, was one of the first to comment on the Arsenal star’s post, adding: “general”.
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North London-born rapper Wretch 32 also praised Rice’s display, writing: “Solid bro” and @adidaslondon wrote: “Conductor”.
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