In beating 5-0 Serbia, England served up their best performance so far under Thomas Tuchel. Traditionally, the Stadion Rajko Mitic has provided something of a cauldron-like atmosphere for Red Star Belgrade. The Three Lions, however, operated a high press from the off and looked much the sharper of the two sides. Having been found wanting, with something of a lacklustre performance at Villa Park against Andorra, this was a far sharper performance against a stronger opposition.
Tuchel will glean much confidence that this victory was achieved without the likes of Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka. There continues to be much debate over what is England's strongest starting eleven. This performance makes that a harder question to answer, but it is a welcome problem for Tuchel after the relatively flat nature of the previous World Cup qualifiers. England now have a base to build upon and think seriously about the World Cup next year.
England Building a Stingy Defence
Jordan Pickford
The disappointing 3-1 home defeat to Senegal at the City Ground in June seems a long time ago now. Although in competitive matches, England have not conceded since October 2024, in the 3-1 win away against Finland. Tuchel has the clearest remit of any England manager since perhaps Terry Venables, who was brought in to prepare for the English held 1996 European Championships. While teams need creativity to win the World Cup, it's also imperative to keep clean sheets.
Declan Rice Must Be On Corners At World Cup
Declan Rice
Against Serbia, he assisted Harry Kane from a corner kick. On the face of it, that might not sound very exciting, but for those who saw the match will have noticed how Rice delivers dangerous set pieces. Rather than float them in, he has the ability to hit flat and powerful deliveries. With Kane remaining such a threat in the air, such deliveries could provide the difference in tight games. Speaking last season, Rice spoke of his confidence on creating goals through his corner taking.
England manager Thomas Tuchel will know all too well that set pieces can be the difference in games. Rice takes them regularly for the Gunners. He was responsible for whipping in the ball for Marc Guehi to make it 4-0. He was already a key part of the side sitting in the middle of the park, but his ability at set pieces now makes him indispensable.
Noni Madueke Can Push For First XI Spot
Noni Madueke
There were some Arsenal fans who were less than thrilled with the club's signing of Noni Madueke from Chelsea over the summer. However, the wide man has showed promise for the Gunners and it would appear Tuchel is a fan. England have a luxury of riches when it comes to wide players, but Madueke did his reputation no harm at all with a wonderful first-half finish to put England two goals up before the break.
As well as giving England good old-fashioned width, his goal was one of power, directness and clinical finishing. He is providing healthy competition for Buyako Saka for club and country. Madueke is versatile too, having played on the left flank for the Gunners too. In doing so, he could provide further competition to Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon. He finished the game with an impressive 8/10 match rating, having been dubbed 'excellent' by Henry Winter.
Djed Spence Becomes First Muslim to Play For England
Djed Spence
In coming on for Reece James in the sixty-ninth minute, Tottenham's Djed Spence became the first muslim to represent the men's England football team. By the time he got onto the field, England were already three goals up. But the full-back is another strong option in that position, having been a solid performer for Spurs over the last few seasons.
Spence made 35 appearances for Spurs last season. Not many England debutants would have enjoyed such a comprehensive away win as England did against Serbia. It again goes to show the strength in depth England have at their disposal.