Thomas Tuchel insists tough Serbia clash will 'bring out the best' in uninspired England

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Evening Standard

·8 September 2025

Thomas Tuchel insists tough Serbia clash will 'bring out the best' in uninspired England

The Three Lions are under pressure to impress after a laboured win over Andorra last time out

Thomas Tuchel believes the challenge of facing Serbia can bring out the best in his England team on Tuesday night.

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The Three Lions meet Serbia in what is expected to be their toughest World Cup qualifier in Group K, where they sit top after four wins from four.

Tuchel’s England have not conceded a goal so far but have also failed to inspire in a number of performances under the German’s watch.

Tuchel said of Serbia, who England beat 1-0 in the group stage at Euro 2024: “They’re a very sporty country; they have world-class sportsmen.

“We will face quality and emotions. I think the opponent and the occasion will bring out the very best in us tomorrow night.”

Marc Guéhi went off with a groin problem in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Andorra but trained with the squad on Monday and completes a clean bill of health for England.

“We will make last decisions for the team tonight and maybe tomorrow night,” Tuchel said.

“Everyone is available. It will be narrow decisions, but it’s a good sign.

“Everyone trained and everyone is okay to start.

“We are getting better. If we are aggressive and if we are front-footed and disciplined, we will have lots of the ball. We want lots of the ball.

“I’m happy with the attitude of the players and I think we are getting there. I say it because I am absolutely convinced.”

The Serbian FA released a statement before the game calling on its fans not to repeat past instances of discrimination.

England encountered racism in away qualifiers against Montenegro and Bulgaria under Gareth Southgate, while the England Under-21s reported racist abuse when playing in Serbia in 2012.

Asked whether he had spoken to his players about the possibility of experiencing racist abuse in Belgrade, Tuchel said: “I didn’t, but the people in charge of the FA talked to us, so we are aware. And, still, I always believe in the good, so I always believe that we will have a high-level sporting competition and celebrate the sport for what it is.

“We are aware of the [UEFA] protocol, but I don’t want to put a big focus on it, because I believe in the beauty of the game, that we can a respectful match tomorrow.”