England vs Serbia: Match Preview, Latest Team News and Score Prediction | OneFootball

England face Serbia test in pivotal World Cup qualifier

Tuchel seeks statement performance in Belgrade

England’s perfect start to World Cup qualifying is about to face its most demanding examination yet. Having taken maximum points from their opening five matches, Thomas Tuchel’s side travel to Belgrade tonight for a clash with Serbia that promises to define the early shape of Group K.

A 2-0 victory over Andorra at Villa Park last weekend extended England’s advantage at the top of the group to five points, thanks to Declan Rice’s header and a fortuitous own goal. Yet, the performance left questions unanswered. The win was steady rather than sparkling, continuing a theme of laboured attacking play against defensively-minded opposition.

The challenge in Serbia, however, will be markedly different.

Serbia carry momentum into crucial clash

Dragan Stojkovic’s Serbia arrive unbeaten in qualifying, with four wins and a draw to their name. They trail England by five points but have played a game fewer, and their record suggests they will provide the most robust challenge England have faced so far.

Dusan Vlahovic, who struck the decisive goal in the 1-0 victory over Latvia on Saturday, remains their leading attacking outlet. Aleksandar Mitrovic, Luka Jovic and Fulham’s Sasa Lukic bring both depth and familiarity for English audiences, while Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic started against Latvia in place of the absent Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.

Serbia are unbeaten in seven matches and the intimidating Rajko Mitic Stadium – home to Red Star Belgrade – will provide a hostile backdrop. The 51,755-seater arena is expected to be at capacity, with home fans anticipating a result that could tilt the group in their favour.

England squad stretched by injuries

Tuchel faces significant absences for this fixture. Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer are sidelined through injury, while Adam Wharton and John Stones withdrew from the squad prior to the Andorra win.

There were positives, though. Newcastle-born Elliot Anderson impressed on debut in midfield, while Harry Kane led the line with support from Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Marcus Rashford. Yet the lack of incision in the final third was evident once more, underlining the importance of creativity against stronger opponents.

Tonight’s match could provide a different test – Serbia will attack with more ambition than England’s recent opponents, potentially opening space for Tuchel’s forwards. But it will also demand defensive discipline, particularly against the physical threat of Vlahovic and Mitrovic.

Prediction for Serbia vs England

England’s record under Tuchel in competitive fixtures remains flawless, but performances have rarely silenced critics. The 3-1 friendly defeat by Senegal in June lingers in memory, while routine wins over lesser-ranked sides have done little to ease concerns.

Facing Serbia away from home is a genuine benchmark. The fixture may be cagey, with chances limited, but it offers Tuchel an opportunity to deliver the kind of statement display that would reaffirm England’s credentials on the road to the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Given Serbia’s form and the atmosphere in Belgrade, a draw may be the most realistic outcome. A 1-1 scoreline would reflect both the balance of quality on the pitch and the resilience of the two teams.