England Maintain Perfect World Cup Qualifying Record with Win Over Serbia

Published: 14 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

England extended their flawless record in World Cup qualifying with a seventh successive victory as they comfortably defeated Serbia at Wembley in a rain-soaked evening that had little drama but plenty of significance for Thomas Tuchel’s squad. With qualification for next summer’s tournament already secured, the match offered an opportunity for the England head coach to experiment, evaluate emerging talent, and fine-tune his plans ahead of the World Cup, and his side did so with efficiency and style.

Tuchel handed a first senior cap to Manchester City’s promising left-back Nico O’Reilly, a move that highlighted the manager’s willingness to integrate youth into the squad. The debutant delivered a composed performance, comfortably handling his defensive duties while also contributing to England’s build-up play. However, it was one of the team’s established stars, Bukayo Saka, who broke the deadlock. In the 28th minute, Saka struck a perfectly placed left-foot volley that flew past Serbian goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic, demonstrating once again why the Arsenal midfielder is a near-certain pick for the World Cup squad.

In an unexpected twist, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers was selected ahead of Jude Bellingham in the number 10 role. Rogers brought energy and creativity to the midfield, showing glimpses of his technical skill and vision during the first half. After 65 minutes, Bellingham replaced him, reinforcing England’s attacking options, while Phil Foden was introduced simultaneously to add further dynamism. This tactical shift paid immediate dividends, as the duo combined beautifully to set up another substitute, Eberechi Eze, for a sublime curling finish in the final minute, securing England’s win and capping an emphatic evening.

Although Serbia did create the occasional threat in the second half, England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford once again proved his value, maintaining his record run of clean sheets with a tenth shutout in qualifying. This victory also marked a remarkable milestone for Tuchel’s side, who have now scored 20 goals without conceding during their campaign. The team’s balance of experience, youthful energy, and tactical flexibility has been evident throughout the qualifiers, and this match offered further proof of the depth at Tuchel’s disposal.

Despite the assured nature of World Cup qualification, England’s performance was far from casual. Tuchel will have been encouraged by the sight of Bellingham and Foden impacting the game after coming off the bench, along with Eze’s decisive contribution. The combination of established stars and emerging talent demonstrates that England not only have a strong starting eleven but also significant quality on the bench, giving Tuchel options to adapt his approach as the tournament progresses.

Other players also made notable contributions. Morgan Rogers impressed with his work rate and creativity in the first half, while Marcus Rashford and Elliot Anderson provided glimpses of attacking flair during their appearances. Crystal Palace’s young midfielder Adam Wharton, introduced late in the game, gained valuable minutes for England for the first time since June 2024, signaling the coaching staff’s commitment to integrating promising talent into the squad ahead of next summer.

Saka’s goal was a reminder of his consistency and technical brilliance. The Arsenal midfielder’s ability to finish from difficult positions continues to set him apart, making him an indispensable asset for England’s World Cup plans. Eze’s late strike, following intricate play from Bellingham and Foden, showcased not only his skill but also the team’s fluidity and understanding among attacking players. Meanwhile, Harry Kane, even without scoring, demonstrated his enduring leadership and hunger, producing key defensive interventions that prevented rare Serbian threats from materializing.

Tuchel’s management of this match also illustrated his strategic mindset. By rotating players, giving debuts, and experimenting with formations, he was able to assess the squad’s readiness for the World Cup while maintaining control and ensuring a comfortable win. This approach will be critical in the coming months, as Tuchel balances the need for cohesion, player fitness, and tactical adaptability.

England’s campaign has been characterized by both dominance and consistency. With seven wins from seven matches, ten clean sheets, and 20 goals scored without reply, the team enters the World Cup on a wave of confidence. The blend of attacking creativity, defensive solidity, and squad depth provides Tuchel with numerous options, allowing him to adapt to different opponents and game scenarios during the tournament.

As the team prepares for their final qualifier in Albania on Sunday, Tuchel can reflect on a highly satisfying qualifying campaign. The victory against Serbia reinforces England’s status as one of the strongest contenders for next summer’s World Cup and offers supporters reason for optimism. The performances of Saka, Eze, Bellingham, Foden, and debutant O’Reilly provide a glimpse of the squad’s versatility and depth, while Pickford’s record-breaking goalkeeping ensures confidence at the back.

In conclusion, England’s victory over Serbia was a demonstration of their dominance, consistency, and tactical sophistication. While the match may have lacked the tension of a do-or-die qualifier, it offered invaluable insights for Thomas Tuchel as he prepares for the challenges of the World Cup. From the brilliance of Bukayo Saka to the seamless integration of young talent and the unwavering reliability of Jordan Pickford, England’s squad is in fine form. The Three Lions enter the final stages of qualifying and the upcoming tournament with momentum, optimism, and a formidable blend of experience and youth that makes them a genuine contender on the world stage.