ENGLAND delivered their most emphatic performance under manager Thomas Tuchel, storming to a 5-0 victory over Serbia in Belgrade on Tuesday night to take a major step toward qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Heading into what was billed as their toughest test of the qualifying campaign, Tuchel’s side silenced a hostile Rajko Mitic Stadium with a display full of authority, flair, and clinical finishing. The result leaves England needing just five points from their remaining three fixtures to book their place at next summer’s tournament.
After dominating possession for over half an hour, England broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute through captain Harry Kane, who powered home a header from a Declan Rice corner to register his 74th goal in 109 internationals.
Just two minutes later, Noni Madueke doubled the lead with his first senior England goal, bursting past Serbia’s defense before slotting past goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. The strike had Tuchel punching the air in celebration as England’s dominance began to tell.
The game was briefly paused in the first half after Serbian fans targeted Ezri Konsa with green lasers. But Konsa had the final say, scoring his first international goal seven minutes into the second half to put England 3-0 up.
Serbia’s night unraveled further when Nikola Milenkovic was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Kane, leaving the England skipper in need of treatment. From the resulting free-kick, Marc Guehi turned in Rice’s delivery to make it 4-0 with 15 minutes left.
In stoppage time, substitute Marcus Rashford completed the rout from the penalty spot after Ollie Watkins was brought down by Strahinja Erakovic.
While England’s attacking prowess stole the headlines, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford quietly made history of his own, keeping his seventh consecutive clean sheet, equalling the record jointly held with England legend Gordon Banks.
The performance was a vindication for Tuchel, who had urged patience after uninspiring wins earlier in the campaign. This time, England played with swagger, their front line overwhelming Serbia while the midfield dictated tempo from start to finish.
The German tactician had warned his players to expect hostility in Belgrade, but his team’s dominance quickly muted the home crowd. The only blemish on an otherwise flawless night came from the off-field distractions — lasers from the stands and brief unrest among Serbia fans protesting against President Aleksandar Vučić.
For Tuchel, however, it was an evening of satisfaction. Not only did his team dismantle a dangerous opponent, but they also demonstrated the quality and ruthlessness needed to compete at the highest level.
With qualification now firmly within reach, England will return home brimming with confidence. For Tuchel, the challenge will be maintaining momentum and ensuring his side secures the five points required to seal their ticket to the World Cup.
On this evidence, England look more than ready.
England face Wales in a friendly at Wembley on 9 October (19:45 BST), then travel to Latvia for their next qualifier on 14 October (19:45).
