England took a giant stride toward securing their place at the upcoming World Cup with a resounding 5-0 victory over Serbia in Belgrade, a performance that not only silenced critics but also marked a defining moment in Thomas Tuchel’s tenure as national team manager. In what was billed as the most formidable test of England’s qualification campaign thus far, Tuchel’s men delivered a masterclass in control, aggression, and clinical execution. The win, emphatic in scoreline and symbolic in tone, served as a powerful rebuttal to the growing scrutiny surrounding Tuchel’s leadership—a scrutiny that had intensified following a lacklustre June training camp and a tepid 2-0 win over Andorra at Villa Park just days earlier. That match, devoid of spark and ambition, had left fans and pundits alike questioning whether Tuchel’s tactical philosophy could translate to the international stage. But in the hostile cauldron of the Rajko Mitic Stadium, England not only answered those doubts—they obliterated them.
Tuchel, ever the meticulous strategist, had promised his side would “prove a point” against Serbia, and from the opening whistle, it was clear that England had arrived in Belgrade with intent. The atmosphere was tense, the stakes high, and the Serbian crowd—already under scrutiny following FIFA’s partial stadium closure due to racist abuse in June—was restless and volatile. Yet England remained composed, focused, and methodical. The early exchanges were cagey, with Serbia deploying a deep defensive block that mirrored the ultra-conservative setups Tuchel’s side had faced in previous qualifiers. England, however, refused to be rushed. They circulated possession with patience, probing for weaknesses, and gradually began to assert their dominance. Declan Rice, anchoring the midfield with authority, nearly opened the scoring with a glancing header from a Reece James cross, while Harry Kane and Anthony Gordon both came close as Serbia’s defensive shape began to fray under sustained pressure.
The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute, and it was emblematic of England’s growing sophistication in set-piece routines. Rice’s outswinging corner was delivered with precision, and Kane, inexplicably unmarked, rose to meet it with a powerful header that ricocheted in off the post. It was Kane’s 64th international goal, and it set the tone for what would become a rout. Just two minutes later, England doubled their lead with a goal that showcased the fluidity and flair Tuchel has been trying to instil. Morgan Rogers, operating in a hybrid midfield role, produced a deft flick to release Elliot Anderson, whose perfectly weighted pass found Noni Madueke in stride. The Chelsea winger, making only his third senior appearance, showed remarkable composure to clip the ball past Djordje Petrovic and into the net—his first goal for England, and one that underscored the depth of attacking talent now at Tuchel’s disposal.
As the half-time whistle approached, the mood in the stadium turned increasingly hostile. Serbian fans, frustrated by their team’s passive approach and England’s dominance, resorted to disruptive tactics. A laser pen was directed at England players, and a whistle was blown from the stands in an attempt to confuse them during play. UEFA’s three-step protocol for dealing with discriminatory behaviour had been discussed in the build-up, and while no formal action was required on the night, the tension was palpable. The home crowd’s anger soon turned inward, with chants calling for manager Dragan Stojkovic’s resignation echoing around the stadium. England, meanwhile, smelled blood.
The second half began with England in full control, and it took just seven minutes for them to extend their lead. Gordon, lively and direct throughout, unleashed a low drive that Petrovic could only parry into the path of Marc Guéhi, who bundled the ball over the line for his first international goal. Moments later, Ezri Konsa added a fourth, turning home at the far post after Serbia failed to clear their lines. The goals were coming thick and fast, but what stood out was England’s relentless intensity. Tuchel’s side refused to sit back, instead pressing high, recycling possession quickly, and exploiting the spaces left by Serbia’s increasingly desperate attempts to push forward.
Rice, who had been instrumental in both defence and attack, continued to find pockets of space and drive forward with purpose. His ability to dictate tempo and break lines was crucial, and it was fitting that he played a key role in the fifth goal. After Serbia captain Nikola Milenkovic was shown a straight red card for a reckless last-man challenge on Kane, Rice stepped up to deliver the resulting free-kick. His delivery was inch-perfect, and Guéhi, again in the right place at the right time, directed the ball home from close range. The sending-off effectively ended any faint hopes Serbia had of mounting a comeback, and the mood in the stadium turned from frustration to fury. Scuffles broke out in the home end, and security personnel were forced to intervene as tempers flared.
Tuchel, sensing an opportunity to manage minutes and reward emerging talent, turned to his bench. Among the substitutes was Djed Spence, who made history as England’s first Muslim player—a landmark moment that added a layer of significance to an already memorable night. Spence’s introduction was met with applause from the England contingent, and his brief cameo was marked by composure and confidence. Rashford, another substitute, added the final flourish in stoppage time. After a VAR review confirmed a foul on Ollie Watkins by Strahinja Erakovic inside the box, Rashford stepped up and coolly converted the penalty, sending Petrovic the wrong way and sealing a five-star performance.
The final whistle brought jubilant scenes among the England players and staff, while the Serbian team trudged off to a chorus of boos. For Tuchel, the victory was more than just three points—it was a vindication of his methods, his selections, and his vision for the national team. England now sit seven points clear at the top of Group K with three matches remaining, and qualification looks all but assured. More importantly, the performance in Belgrade has reignited belief among fans and pundits that this England side, under Tuchel’s guidance, can not only qualify but compete at the highest level.
Tactically, the match showcased several key developments. Tuchel’s decision to rotate his squad—making four changes from the Andorra game—paid dividends, with fresh legs and new combinations adding dynamism to England’s play. The use of a fluid 4-2-3-1 formation allowed for quick transitions and positional interchange, particularly between the wide players and attacking midfielders. Madueke and Gordon stretched the Serbian defence, while Anderson and Rogers provided verticality and creativity through the middle. Kane, as ever, was the focal point, but his movement and link-up play created space for others to exploit. Defensively, Konsa and Guéhi were solid, not only contributing goals but also maintaining composure under pressure. James and Luke Shaw offered width and balance, while Jordan Pickford, though largely untested, remained alert and vocal throughout.
Beyond the tactical and technical aspects, the match also carried emotional weight. The hostile environment, the historical tensions, and the symbolic significance of Spence’s debut all contributed to a narrative of resilience and progress. England’s ability to remain focused amid distractions—be it laser pens, whistles, or crowd unrest—spoke volumes about the team’s maturity and unity. Tuchel’s post-match comments reflected this sentiment, as he praised his players for their discipline, their hunger, and their willingness to embrace the challenge.
Looking ahead, England’s path to qualification appears clear, but Tuchel will be mindful of maintaining momentum and avoiding complacency. The remaining fixtures offer opportunities to refine tactics, integrate new players, and build chemistry ahead of the tournament. The Belgrade performance will serve as a benchmark—a reminder of what this team is capable of when fully committed and tactically coherent. For fans, it was a night to savour; for critics, a moment to reconsider; and for Tuchel, a statement of intent.
In the broader context of international football, England’s win in Serbia sends a message. It signals that the team is evolving, shedding the conservatism of previous regimes and embracing a more assertive, modern style. It also highlights the depth of talent available, with young players stepping up and delivering on the big stage. As the World Cup draws nearer, the question is no longer whether England can qualify—it’s whether they can contend. On the evidence of Belgrade, the answer may well be yes.
