England produced a stunning performance to beat Serbia 5-0 in World Cup qualifying, with Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi and Marcus Rashford all on target
John Cross Chief Football Writer and Will Schofield Senior Sports Reporter
22:18, 09 Sep 2025
England put on a five-star show in Serbia
England put on a five-star show in Serbia(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
England put on a masterclass in their 5-0 thrashing of Serbia away from home, marking the most impressive performance under Thomas Tuchel's reign and serving notice to their rivals ahead of next summer.
The Three Lions' trip to Belgrade was touted as the sternest test Tuchel's squad would face before the World Cup kicks off in less than a year.
However, with goals from Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi and a late Marcus Rashford penalty, England now have a firm hold on Group K, leading by seven points over their closest competitors.
Despite winning their first four competitive matches under Tuchel without conceding a goal, the German manager faced flak for some uninspiring performances.
But after silencing a raucous home crowd with lengthy spells of possession, Kane broke the deadlock with a diving header from a Declan Rice corner just past the half-hour mark.
Harry Kane of England applauds the fans after the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Serbia and England at Rajko Mitic Stadium on September 9, 2025 in Belgrade, Serbia.
Harry Kane netted the first game of the goal(Image: Getty Images)
Barely two minutes later, Madueke doubled the visitors' advantage following superb play from Morgan Rodgers, reports the Mirror.
Early into the second half, England's lead was bolstered when Aston Villa defender Konsa fired home after a box scramble. Serbia's woes deepened when captain Nikola Milenkovic saw red for a tackle on Kane, with Guehi heading in from the ensuing free kick.
Rashford rounded off the scoring, coolly converting a penalty after Ollie Watkins was brought down in the box. Here's how we rated the players...
England's Harry Kane following the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying, Group K match at Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade. Picture date: Tuesday September 9, 2025.
England are one step closer to the World Cup(Image: PA)
Jordan Pickford. 7 - Another easy-peasy night. England are still yet to let one in this qualifying run.
Reece James. 7 - Put in another solid shift and James is clearly Tuchel's first choice right back.
Ezri Konsa. 7 - Cool as a cucumber for England and bagged his first international goal.
Marc Guehi. 8 - Top-notch. His power, smarts and skill are why he's so hotly pursued. Rounded off his performance with a goal.
Tino Livramento. 7 - Impressive showing from left back as he really put his name in the hat.
Elliot Anderson. 8 - Another belter of a performance. What a cracking start to his England career.
Englands Harry Kane, partially hidden, celebrates with team-mates after scoring the opening goal
Serbia didn't have an answer for England(Image: PA Wire)
Declan Rice. 7 - Set up the opener with a corner. Loved a bit of a run forward.
Noni Madueke. 8 - His speed and straight runs make him a real menace. Slotted home a blinder of a goal.
Morgan Rogers. 8 - An assist and a nifty all-round game as he was quick off the mark and smooth.
Anthony Gordon. 7 - Booked. Injected some pace, energy and threat from the left. Solid game.
Harry Kane. 7 - Popped in another goal to stretch his record even further. The skipper led from the front.
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Substitutes:
Spence, for James, 68 mins, 6.
Rashford, for Gordon, 69 mins, 6.
Watkins, for Kane, 76 mins, 6.
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Bowen, for Madueke, 76 mins, 6.
Henderson, for Rice, 81 mins, 6.