Jordan Pickford is class
Where are all the black and white twats with their inflatable dinosaurs now? Another quality tournament performance from the best goalkeeper England have ever had.
He had one big save to make but he made it, and that’s because he’s world class. Some of his long-range passing was ridiculous, and there are top level outfield players who can’t pass the ball the way he can.
His save and clean sheet was just as important as Jude Bellingham’s goal. Made in Sunlun’!
Defensive questions answered
All the talk coming into the tournament has been about whether England’s defence was up to scratch, and after a tough test, it’s fair to say it is.
Marc Guéhi was brilliant and one of our top performers, as was Declan Rice who cut out so many balls that otherwise could’ve been dangerous.
That stands us in good stead for the latter stages of the tournament.
England’s star attackers fail to shine
Harry Kane and Phil Foden have had career-best seasons individually, but neither of them showed up.
I don’t know if it’s just me but Kane didn’t look fit, as he barely moved. Foden, meanwhile, played out of position and it showed as he was barely involved.
I’m surprised that they both lasted the full ninety minutes. I’d have brought Ollie Watkins and Anthony Gordon on around the seventy minute mark to help give us a boost up top.
A second half drop off
Despite my praise of the defensive work from England, it came as a result of our energy levels dropping off and also allowing Serbia to drag us down to their level.
It turned into a scrap, which is exactly what they would’ve wanted. Gareth Southgate will need to use his squad this week and I’d expect changes against Denmark.
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Chris Camm says…
No real scares for England
In the first game of a tournament, there’s a lot to be said for three points.
Although some of the other so-called favourites have been more impressive, England can be satisfied with a job well done.
After all, it isn’t how you start a tournament, but how you finish it.
Jude Bellingham shines
Bellingham looks like the best player in the world and certainly the best player in this squad.
The fact that he’s hit the ground running is immensely satisfying and whatever hopes England have this summer could well hinge on the performances of the young man from Birmingham.
Phil Foden struggles on the left
Foden has done his best work for Manchester City and cops some stick on occasions due to his performances in an England shirt.
During this game, he was quiet and we certainly didn’t see his best work. It might not be his fault, however, as his best position is in the centre as a number ten.
Clearly, Bellingham takes that position in the squad right now but would letting Foden take that spot at the expense of Jude dropping a bit deeper really be all that bad?
A mixed night for Trent Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold made a couple of errors in midfield and wasn’t able to demonstrate his command of the football by unlocking the Serbian defence as we might’ve hoped.
Conor Gallagher came off the bench to provide some much-needed energy and helped us hold onto the lead with some solid defensive play.
Given the conundrum of trying to get the best out of Foden and Bellingham, could the Liverpool man be the one who pays the price?
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