Gareth Southgate warns his England stars that they can NOT become over-reliant on Jude Bellingham if they want to win Euro 2024... and insists the Real Madrid star can't always 'take the headlines'

Gareth Southgate warned his stars not to be over-reliant on Jude BellinghamThe Real Madrid star scored the only goal in England's 1-0 win against Serbia LISTEN to It's All Kicking Off! Were England good in their opener or is the criticism fair? 

Gareth Southgate has warned his England players they cannot become over-reliant on Jude Bellingham if they are to lift the European Championships.

Real Madrid star Bellingham scored the winner in Sunday night’s victory over Serbia, and won the man of the match award to boot, as England got their tournament off to a winning start.

Bellingham is emerging as, arguably, England’s most important player - but Southgate urged the 20-year-old’s team-mates to follow his lead.

‘I don’t think you’re ever going to play a match where every player can star in every game,’ said Southgate.

‘What’s important is that different people pop up with the moments like Jude did.

Jude Bellingham proved the matchwinner for England in their clash against Serbia on Sunday

However, Gareth Southgate claims that other Three Lions stars must be ready to step up

‘When I go through the history of our big games, there’s always been a different match-winner, a different guy to take the headlines and that’s as it will be if we are going to win a tournament.’

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Elsewhere, Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has cast doubt over Luke Shaw’s chances of playing before the group stages here at Euro 2024.

The left-back hasn’t played since February due to a hamstring injury but was still selected in Southgate’s squad amid hope he could play in either the second or third group game.

Shaw has has accelerated his recovery since arriving in Germany last week and was named as a substitute against Serbia, raising hope that he is close to a return.

However, despite his appearance on the team-sheet, it is understood Shaw was not under consideration to play any part against Serbia.

There were further question marks over Shaw’s fitness yesterday when he wasn’t included in full training but it is understood Monday’s session was always a planned recovery day for the United man as he looks to return to fitness.

The Madrid star won the man of the match award, as England started their Euros with a win

But Ten Hag, speaking to Dutch media, said: ‘Luke Shaw will start playing once England get out of the group stages.’

It remains to be seen whether Shaw can finally make his return to action against Denmark on Thursday night, but there is an understanding from medics that the defender risks a recurrence of the injury if he is rushed back too soon.

Meanwhile, England’s players shared emotional moments with their dads following their Father’s Day win over Serbia.

Southgate’s squad were allowed to see family members for a short period after the game on Sunday and sources have indicated that it was particularly noticeable that players were quick to pay special attention to their respective fathers on their big day.