England beat Serbia 2-0 of their penultimate World Cup qualifier at Wembley on a rain-soaked Thursday night time, extending their good season to seven wins from seven video games. Objectives from Bukayo Saka (twenty eighth minute) and substitute Eberechi Eze (ninetieth minute) sealed the win, leaving Thomas Tuchel’s facet untouchable on the prime of Group Ok, whereas ending Serbia’s final hopes of qualifying for subsequent yr’s match.
Workforce and absentees
England, who’ve already certified for the 2026 World Cup, have adopted a 4-2-3-1 below supervisor Thomas Tuchel.
Beginning eleven: Jordan Pickford. Reece James, John Stones, Ezri Konsa, Nico O’Reilly (debut). Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson. Bukayo Saka, Morgan Rodgers, Marcus Rashford. Harry Kane (captain).
Impression on the bench: Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Eberechi Eze got here on within the second half and added creativity and power.
Notable absentees: Mark Gehi (foot damage), Anthony Gordon, Nick Pope and Noni Maduke are absent, however Ollie Watkins and Jack Grealish stay.
Serbia, below new coach Veljko Paunovic, opted for a 4-2-3-1.
Beginning eleven: Predrag Rajković. Aleksa Terzic, Strahinja Pavlovic, Nikola Milenkovic, Ognjen Mimović. Nemanja Guderi, Saša Lukic. Filip Kostic (captain), Ivan Ilic, Andrija Zivković. Dušan Vlahovic.
Key Absences: Serbia’s all-time main scorer Aleksandar Mitrović is absent, leaving Blachović and Luka Jovic to shoulder the attacking burden.
Match abstract: From setback to prosperity
England began late and struggled to breed the fluidity with which they thrashed Serbia 5-0 in Belgrade two months earlier. Serbia pressed aggressively, forcing errors early on and decreasing the area for Kane and Rashford. The primary probability got here within the twenty fifth minute for Rashford, however his low drive was parried by Rajkovic. After some time, one thing revolutionary occurred.
- 28′ Aim – Bukayo Saka: After a free-kick was punched clear by Rajković, debutant Nico O’Reilly’s shot was blocked and looped up. Saka reacted instinctively and volleyed into the far nook to make it 1-0.
England gained confidence earlier than half-time when Kane’s header went large and Rodgers’ header went large. Serbia threatened sporadically however lacked sharpness, though Kostic’s heavy assault within the forty fifth minute examined Pickford.
Within the second half, Tuchel adjusted his system and introduced on Bellingham and Foden to extend the tempo. England dominated possession (63%) and created half-chances via Rashford and Kane, however Serbia held on. The workforce’s greatest second got here across the eighty fifth minute, when Blachowicz tried to make a save and Kostic’s shot went large.
The competition was over rapidly:
- ninetieth minute aim – Eberechi Eze: Foden slipped a deft move into the field and Eze calmly below strain slotted previous Rajkovic to make it 2-0, sparking celebration among the many 74,000-strong Wembley crowd.
Saka consistency and dignity
Bukayo Saka responded to Tuchel’s name for extra objectives together with his greatest approach. His cushioned volley was the standout second of the sport, highlighting his evolution from creator to finisher. Saka, who scored 14 worldwide objectives at simply 24 years previous, is now an integral a part of England’s attacking steadiness.
Eze stakes his rights
Eberechi Eze got here on the scene late and instantly made an impression. His composure and skill to weave previous his markers in pursuit of the second aim gives Tuchel with a wildcard possibility for the World Cup squad. In a workforce loaded with midfield expertise, Eze’s versatility might be essential.
Serbia’s missed alternative
For Serbia, this was an evening of “what ifs.” With out Mitrovic, the offense was lackluster. Vlahovic labored tirelessly however was remoted, whereas Kostic’s late surge was too gradual. Paunovic’s facet stay third in Group Ok, dropping their final probability to stay within the play-off spot as Albania beat Andorra with one spherical to go, extending their result in 4 factors.
Tuchel’s tactical pragmatism
Tuchel’s England had been removed from classic, however mid-match changes – dropping Kane deeper, pushing Rice ahead and bringing in Foden – tipped the steadiness. It is clear that the Germans worth construction over star energy. England scored 20 objectives and saved a clear sheet in qualifying, a testomony to their stable protection and managed aggression.
Nico O’Reilly’s debut
The Manchester Metropolis teenager impressed as a left-back, exhibiting poise and power. His blocked shot led to Saka’s first aim, and the defensive positioning was assured. O’Reilly’s arrival provides depth in key positions as Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell battle accidents.
What this implies
England lead Group Ok with 21 factors after seven video games and have already certified for the 2026 World Cup. With 10 factors, Serbia will face Albania in a tense battle for second place and a spot within the playoffs.
The next provides:
- England journey to Tirana to face Albania on November sixteenth.
- Serbia host Latvia on the identical day, hoping to finish an unsuccessful marketing campaign and embark on a brand new period below Paunovic.
