Jude Bellingham is confronted by furious Serbia star just minutes into England’s Euro 2024 opener
ENGLAND star Jude Bellingham got involved in a skirmish with Serbia’s Filip Kostic during the first half of tonight’s crunch Euro 2024 clash.
Having given his side the lead on 13 minutes, Bellingham went on to bump into Kostic after a 50-50 challenge.
Following the tackle by the touchline, the adrenaline-fuelled Real Madrid star raised his hands to pump up the crowd.
He then turned into Kostic, bumping him hard in the chest with his shoulder.
The Juventus ace did not take kindly to the incident, and could be seen having a pop at Bellingham as he walked off.
England‘s Euro 2024 campaign had gotten off to a fast start thanks to Bellingham’s 13th minute header.
The attacking midfielder stormed into the box to get on the end of Bukayo Saka‘s deflected cross from the right flank.
He thundered a header beyond Serbian keeper Predrag Rajkovic for 1-0, before celebrating with Trent Alexander-Arnold.
As for Kostic, his evening’s work came to a disappointing end before half time.
The Juve ace limped off on 43 minutes, being replaced by Panathinaikos’ Filip Mladenovic.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
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.
By lining up against Serbia, Bellingham broke a record previously held by Michael Owen.
At the age of 20 years and 353 days, he became the youngest player to feature at three international tournaments.
EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY
He was selected for his first at Euro 2020, played in 2021.
The attacking midfielder then played at the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
Bellingham’s new record was previously held by Michael Owen.
The former England striker was 22 years 170 days old when he appeared at his third major tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, was 23 years and 123 days old when he achieved the same feat.
England went on to triumph 1-0 over Serbia in Gelsenkirchen.
Bellingham’s 13th minute header was enough to see Gareth Southgate’s side grab all three points, going top of the group in the process.
