JUDE BELLINGHAM made history as he stole the show for England in their Euro 2024 opener.
And the Three Lions hero has now eclipsed Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Owen as he fired England to a 1-0 win over Serbia.
Gareth Southgate’s men had their Wags and loved ones cheering them on as they made a dream start to Euro 2024.
And it was the star who carried on his incredible form for Real Madrid, where he lifted the Champions League and LaLiga in his first season there, by breaking the deadlock.
Bukayo Saka’s deflected cross was headed home by Bellingham from close-range after just 13 minutes in Gelsenkirchen, and that proved to be the only goal of the game.
However, from the moment the first whistle went to start the game, the star had already made history.
READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
At the age of 20 years and 353 days, Bellingham surpassed England legend Owen (22 years and 170 days old) as the youngest player to play at three major international competitions.
His first taste came three years ago at Euro 2020 before he burst on to the global stage with his brilliant World Cup performances.
However, there was also another iconic name that Bellingham knocked off a perch.
His feat surpassed even Portugal great Ronaldo.
Most read in Euro 2024
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
He was 23 years and 123 days old when he made his third appearance at an international tournament.
Bellingham now has 30 caps for his country and his goal tally has now moved to four.
How England rated vs Serbia… as Bellingham shines but TWO big names get 5s
JUDE BELLINGHAM was England’s head boy as Gareth Southgate’s side made a winning start in Germany.
The Real Madrid superstar oozed class throughout and broke the deadlock with only 13 minutes played thanks to an excellent header, dispatching Bukayo Saka’s deflected cross.
But, despite the brilliant start, it was a nervy affair here in Gelsenkirchen.
Serbia exerted significant pressure in the second half, with a few narrow escapes for Southgate’s men.
Harry Kane barely had a kick and the Premier League’s player of the year Phil Foden struggled to have any influence on the left of the Three Lions’ front three.
Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated England’s stars… with TWO stars getting just a 5.
And over half of them have also come at a major tournament.
Bellingham scored the first in the 6-2 win over Iran at the 2022 World Cup.
Now he has followed that up by starting Euro 2024 with a bang too.
He shone throughout the first period against Serbia, and it even led to ex-Premier League midfielder Jamie O’Hara comparing him to one of the all-time greats.
EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY
He told talkSPORT: “For me, he is England’s [Zinedine] Zidane.
“He’s going to be the closest thing that anyone has seen since Zidane.
“Just when I watch him, his physique, the way he stands and the way he gets on the ball, it’s so Zidane-esque.”
England survived a late Serbian flurry to hold on to the win, with Bellingham telling BBC afterwards: “I thought they are a very tough side. Very robust, strong and a big group of lads and it was important that we prepared well.
“The staff got it right. We prepared all week very well. We knew the roles we had to do. We try to keep to our own standards and try to do our own job.
“It’s important that we got off to a good start. Positive inside the camp and onto the next one.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“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.”
Meet Jude Bellingham’s stunning girlfriend, lingerie model Laura Celia Valk
By Jon Boon
LAURA CELIA VALK is the stunning Dutch fashion model who has stolen Jude Bellingham’s heart.
The Sun exclusively revealed that she’s been staying at his place in Madrid and is completely smitten with him.
Laura boasts a huge social media following and regularly travels the world, enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.
From underwear modelling to showing off Pretty Little Thing’s latest wear, she regularly collaborates with fashion houses around the globe.
Wherever she is, Laura makes sure to drop into Chanel – her favourite designer.
She’s also quite the foodie, with pizza and strawberries being her favourites.
It won’t be long before we see her at the Bernabeu enjoying a prawn sandwich!
Find out more about Laura.
Or read all the latest Jude Bellingham news.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
