England will arrive in Belgrade on Tuesday night with the opportunity to extend their perfect start to the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, aiming to make it five wins from five in Group K. The Three Lions currently sit atop the group with 12 points, having navigated their opening fixtures with clinical efficiency, if not always with sparkling form. Their most recent outing—a 2-0 win over Andorra—was emblematic of a side that knows how to get the job done, even when the performance lacks fluidity. Thomas Tuchel’s men have yet to concede a goal in the section, a testament to their defensive solidity, but questions remain about their attacking rhythm and overall cohesion. Against Serbia, a team brimming with talent and ambition, England will face their sternest test yet in this qualification cycle. The atmosphere in Belgrade is expected to be electric, and the hosts, unbeaten so far, will be eager to close the gap at the top of the table.
Serbia, second in Group K with seven points and a game in hand, have quietly built momentum since their opening goalless draw against Albania. Victories over Andorra and Latvia have steadied the ship, and while those wins came against lower-ranked opposition, the manner of their performances—four goals scored, none conceded—suggests a team growing in confidence. Dragan Stojkovic’s side is tactically disciplined and physically robust, capable of frustrating opponents and striking with precision. A win against England would not only move them to within two points of the summit but also send a message to the rest of the group that Serbia are serious contenders for automatic qualification. Historically, Serbia have struggled to make deep runs in major tournaments, exiting at the group stage in the last three World Cups and failing to progress at Euro 2024. Yet, the talent pool is deeper than ever, and with a blend of experience and youth, this campaign could mark a turning point.
The only previous meeting between these two sides came in the group stage of Euro 2024, where England edged a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from Jude Bellingham. That match was a tactical chess game, with Serbia defending resolutely and England probing for openings. Bellingham’s decisive moment was a flash of individual brilliance, and it underscored the fine margins that often separate elite teams. Serbia will be keen to avenge that defeat, especially on home soil, where they have traditionally been difficult to beat. The return of Aleksandar Mitrovic to the starting lineup adds a layer of menace to their attack. Mitrovic, Serbia’s all-time leading scorer with 62 goals, is a physical presence who thrives in aerial duels and can hold up play to bring others into the game. His partnership with Dusan Vlahovic, the Juventus striker known for his movement and finishing, gives Serbia a potent one-two punch in the final third.
In midfield, Stojkovic is expected to recall Nemanja Gudelj and Nemanja Maksimovic, two players who bring balance and bite to the center of the pitch. Gudelj, with his positional awareness and passing range, will be tasked with dictating tempo, while Maksimovic offers energy and defensive cover. Their battle against England’s midfield trio—likely to include Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, and Elliot Anderson—will be pivotal. Rice, fresh off a goal against Andorra, continues to be England’s anchor, breaking up play and initiating transitions. Bellingham, now a fixture in the side, combines technical excellence with physicality, and his ability to drive forward and create chances makes him a constant threat. Anderson, who impressed in the last outing, could retain his place, offering dynamism and creativity in the final third.
Defensively, Serbia will rely on vice-captain Nikola Milenkovic to marshal the back line. Milenkovic, a commanding center-back with Serie A pedigree, is expected to start alongside Strahinja Pavlovic, forming a partnership that blends experience with youthful aggression. England’s attack, which has looked somewhat disjointed in recent matches, will need to find ways to stretch this Serbian defense. Marcus Rashford and Eberechi Eze struggled to impose themselves against Andorra, and Tuchel may opt for changes, with Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers pushing for starts. Gordon’s directness and pace could be useful in breaking down Serbia’s compact shape, while Rogers offers flair and unpredictability. Up front, Harry Kane remains England’s focal point, and while he didn’t score last time out, his movement and link-up play continue to be vital.
Ezri Konsa could also be drafted into the back line in place of Dan Burn, whose performance against Andorra was solid but unspectacular. Konsa’s composure and ball-playing ability may be better suited to dealing with Serbia’s mobile forwards. England’s defense has been a standout feature of their campaign so far, with four clean sheets from four games, and maintaining that record in Belgrade would be a significant achievement. The challenge will be not just physical but psychological—Serbia’s home crowd is known for its intensity, and the pressure on England to maintain their perfect record will be immense.
Tuchel’s tenure as England manager has been marked by tactical pragmatism and defensive organization, but there is growing scrutiny over the team’s attacking output. Despite winning all four matches, England have scored just three goals in their two games against Andorra, a side ranked 174th in the world. While results matter most in qualification, the lack of fluidity and creativity in the final third has raised eyebrows. With the European Championship finals behind them—where England reached the final for the second consecutive time but fell short—expectations are high. The World Cup represents the ultimate test, and with powerhouses like Spain, France, and Brazil looming, England must evolve beyond grinding out results against lesser opposition.
Serbia, meanwhile, are a team on the cusp. Their recent tournament record may be underwhelming, but the talent is undeniable. Vlahovic, Mitrovic, Milinkovic-Savic, and Kostic form a spine that can compete with Europe’s best. The question is whether they can translate individual quality into collective success. Stojkovic has instilled a sense of belief and tactical clarity, and the team’s unbeaten start to qualification reflects that. A win against England would not only boost their points tally but also their psychological edge, potentially setting the tone for the remainder of the campaign.
From a tactical standpoint, the match promises an intriguing contrast. England will likely dominate possession, looking to control the tempo and probe for openings through their midfield. Serbia, on the other hand, may cede territory and focus on quick transitions, using the pace and power of their forwards to exploit spaces behind England’s high line. Set pieces could also be decisive—both teams possess aerial threats, and in a tightly contested match, a well-executed corner or free-kick could be the difference.
The stakes are high, not just in terms of qualification but also in shaping the narrative around both teams. For England, a fifth straight win would solidify their status as group favorites and ease pressure on Tuchel. For Serbia, a victory would ignite belief and potentially shift the balance of power in Group K. The psychological dimension cannot be ignored—England are expected to win, and anything less could be seen as a setback. Serbia, playing with the freedom of underdogs, may find that the occasion brings out their best.
As the teams prepare to take the field, the anticipation builds. Belgrade will be buzzing, the crowd ready to roar their team forward, and the players aware that this is more than just another qualifier. It is a test of character, of tactical acumen, and of ambition. England, with their pedigree and depth, will look to impose themselves early, while Serbia will aim to absorb pressure and strike with precision. The match could hinge on moments—an interception, a lapse in concentration, a flash of brilliance—and both sides have players capable of delivering those moments.
In the broader context, this fixture is a microcosm of the evolving dynamics in international football. Traditional powers like England are being challenged by emerging forces like Serbia, who combine technical quality with tactical discipline. The margins are narrowing, and the days of easy wins are fading. Every match is a battle, every point earned through grit and guile. For England, the journey to the World Cup is about more than qualification—it is about building a team capable of conquering the world. For Serbia, it is about proving they belong among the elite and that their time has come.
As the whistle blows in Belgrade, all eyes will be on the pitch. The storylines are rich, the stakes immense, and the potential for drama high. Whether it ends in triumph or frustration, this match will shape the trajectory of Group K and offer a glimpse into the future of two ambitious footballing nations.
