England's Euro 2024 campaign started with a bang...and then a whimper. Gareth Southgate's men secured an unconvincing 1-0 victory over Serbia on Sunday, all thanks to a crucial goal from Jude Bellingham, in the 13th minute.
However after a really bright start that showcased Bellingham's prowess and the team's determination, England retreated. The second half was very poor for England as they struggled to make genuine attempts at goal, apart from a close call with crossbar from Harry Kane
However, the bigger talking point of the game is arguably the lovefest on the BBC broadcast towards the Real Madrid midfielder. It was blatant from commentary duo Alan Shearer and Guy Mowbray, and in the punditry booth from pundits Rio Ferdinand and Micah Richards.
No doubt Bellingham is one of the world's best players - a generational talent - but much of the praise for was over the top and bordering on hero worship.
Rio Ferdinand was the most vociferous Bellingham cheerleader. During halftime analysis of Bellingham's goal, Ferdinand uttered the words 'I am him' about Bellingham.
We talked about someone who understands what the game and the moment needs. He's come out there today with the attitude and says listen guys, 'this is my game and I am him'. That's the vibe that he's given me with the way that he's gesturing. The shoulders back. He knows and believes that he is the guy.
Geoblocked clip is here.
Bellingham wasn't even the best player on the pitch, with Bukayo Saka being the standout man in the first half as he Strhinja Pavlovic a nightmare of a half, but to the defender's credit, he improved in the second period.
Plenty of viewers watching at home picked up on the lovefest.
The fawning of Bellingham from the BBC is now reaching Beckhamesque levels. Two decent players being eulogised like prime Zidane and Zico. Saka best player on the pitch. Foden being hung out to dry again because he's playing as a second ten and the first one only thinks about…
— The Real Tolmie's Hairdoo (@RealTolmie) June 16, 2024
Why do/did BBC keep showing Bellingham pinging a ball back to his centre back like he’s just played the best pass the world has ever seen.
— SellickBhoy75 (@Sellick414) June 16, 2024
I turned BBC off when Rio complimented the fact Bellingham doesn’t Er when he speaks.
— Max Lombardia (@LombardiaMax) June 16, 2024
I get Bellingham did really well to score that header but how have BBC spent that long praising him when if it wasn’t for saka’s run they goal doesn’t happen
— ben (@_btcV1) June 16, 2024
Despite the victory, it's hard to ignore the defensive vulnerabilities that the Southgate side displayed. Bellingham, for all his star power, didn't create a single opportunity, and the team found themselves constantly under pressure from the Serbs. This is an area that needs immediate attention and improvement.
If it wasn't for wayward shooting and a brilliant save from Jordan Pickford, Dragan Stojkovic's side could have quickly taken a point in the game.
So, will football be coming home? Time will tell.
