Serbia Humiliated 0-5 by England in World Cup Qualifier

Published: 10 September 2025 | The English Chronicle Online

England delivered one of their most emphatic performances in recent memory, thrashing Serbia 5-0 in Belgrade to take firm control of their World Cup qualifying group. It was a night where every English attack seemed to expose Serbia’s defensive frailties, while Gareth Southgate’s men displayed confidence, composure and clinical finishing across the pitch.

From the opening whistle, England dominated possession and pressed with intensity. Harry Kane set the tone, heading in the opener to quieten the home crowd, and from there Serbia unravelled. Noni Madueke added a composed second, sprinting clear to finish coolly after a flowing move. Before half-time, Morgan Rogers capped off a superb individual performance by setting up Marc Guéhi for England’s third, a goal that all but killed off Serbian hopes.

Serbia, set up in a conservative 5-4-1, never looked capable of responding. Their back line was torn apart by England’s pace and movement, with Nikola Milenkovic’s clumsy dismissal epitomising the hosts’ collapse. By the interval, manager Dragan Stojković was forced into sweeping changes, but replacements Filip Kostić and Luka Jović could do little to stem the tide.

England’s control only grew stronger in the second half. Ezri Konsa, composed and commanding, rose to head in his first international goal, before Rogers orchestrated a sweeping attack that left Serbia chasing shadows. Madueke continued to torment Veljko Birmancević down the left, while Anthony Gordon dazzled with his trickery and close control.

The midfield balance proved key. Declan Rice controlled set-pieces, while Elliot Anderson’s intelligent movement knitted play together, showing maturity beyond his limited international experience. Rogers, however, was the heartbeat of the attack, combining creativity with vision to earn the mantle of player of the match.

Serbia, by contrast, endured a miserable night. Dusan Vlahović cut an isolated figure up front, sending his only chance tamely over the bar. Sasa Lukić and Nemanja Maksimović were outplayed in midfield, unable to track England’s runners or keep possession. Every Serbian substitution offered little more than damage limitation as the scoreline threatened to worsen.

By full time, England’s five-goal margin was both a statement of intent and a reflection of their dominance. For Southgate, the victory was more than just three points; it was proof of the squad’s depth, with younger talents like Rogers, Anderson, Madueke and Guéhi stepping up alongside established stars.

For Serbia, the defeat leaves deep questions over their defensive organisation and attacking ambition. Stojković’s side looked passive, ill-prepared and bereft of confidence against one of Europe’s strongest teams. With qualification hopes fading, they must regroup quickly to avoid further humiliation in the campaign ahead.

As England celebrated a ruthless display, the message to their rivals was clear: this is a side brimming with attacking talent, tactical flexibility and the hunger to impose themselves on the world stage.