Jude Bellingham broke a long-standing record held by Cristiano Ronaldo in lining up for England at Euro 2024.
The Real Madrid midfielder headed in from Bukayo Saka’s cross after 13 minutes in Germany to put his side ahead against Serbia, continuing his fine form this season at just 20 years old.
He lined up behind Harry Kane in manager Gareth Southgate‘s system, flanked by Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka in an attack that provided fans with excitement going into the tournament.
Bellingham, on the back of winning the Champions League just days ago, provided perhaps the most excitement for fans, and delivered early on in delivering his side’s opening goal.
In playing in the game, Bellingham became the youngest player to feature at three international major tournaments, having also featured at Euro 2020 and the World Cup in 2022.
Jude Bellingham (pictured) broke a long-standing Cristiano Ronaldo record as he lined up for England at Euro 2024
The Three Lions midfielder scored England’s opening goal of the tournament just 13 minutes into the game against Serbia
The record, previously held by Ronaldo (pictured) had stood for 16 years until this summer
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Breaking onto the scene at Birmingham in the Championship as a 16-year-old, Bellingham benefitted from Euro 2020 being delayed by a year due to Covid and was named in the squad at the age of 17.
In playing against England’s opener against Croatia, he became the youngest Englishman to play at a major tournament and the youngest player ever to play at a European Championship, aged 17 years and 349 days.
He played a more prominent role at the World Cup in Qatar in 2022 at the age of 19, starting all five of his side’s games.
Now, he is one of the first names on the team sheet and arguably England’s key player in attack.
Bellingham beat the record by three years, with Ronaldo 23 when he went to Euro 2008
Ronaldo, meanwhile, lined up at Euro 2004 and 2008 and the World Cup in 2006.
At Euro 2004, he was 19, and was 23 by the time Euro 2008 came around, meaning Bellingham had beaten the record by three years.
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