Robert Calcutt, Sports WriterPublished: 20:36, 16 Jun 2024Updated: 20:36, 16 Jun 2024Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)

Jude Bellingham has made history by becoming the youngest European player to play at three major tournaments.

The midfielder scored England’s opening goal in their first match of Euro 2024 to carry his club form onto the national stage having scored 23 goals for Real Madrid as he won the Spanish league and Champions League.

2Bellingham got England off and running in Germany in a game where he also made historyCredit: Getty

Against Serbia, the scored after 11 minutes as he powered the ball home with a header when he got on the end of Bukayo Saka’s teasing cross from the right.

And at the age of 20 years and 353 days, Bellingham surpassed former England striker Michael Owen (22 years and 170 days old) to become the youngest player to play at three major international competitions.

Bellingham has even eclipsed Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who managed this at 23 years and 123 days old.

The Three Lions’ young star now has 30 caps to his name for the national side and could well push this north of 100 in his career.

England’s hopes of Euro 2024 success will be boosted by Bellingham’s talent, with his quality eyed as some of the world’s best despite his age.

He sits on four goals for his country, with half of those coming at a major tournament.

Bellingham also scored England’s first goal at the World Cup in 2022 in their 6-2 win over Iran, with his header against Serbia a similar scenario.

It sees him kickstart the Euros with a bang, with the former Birmingham City youngster continuing to rack up minutes on the big stage.

2Bellingham has four goals for EnglandCredit: AFP

Throughout the first-half, he has continued to showcase his quality on the pitch, including one audacious yet successful long-range pass.

Although he is one of the youngest members in the squad, Bellingham plays way beyond his age.