(Image: The FA via Getty Images)
England put on a stellar performance in the Thomas Tuchel era, thrashing Serbia 5-0 away from home and sending a clear message to their rivals ahead of next summer's tournament.
The Three Lions travelled to Belgrade for what was widely considered the toughest test Tuchel's team would face before the World Cup kicks off in less than a year.
However, goals from Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi and a late penalty from Marcus Rashford have given England a firm hold on Group K, with a seven-point lead over their closest competitors.
Despite winning their first four competitive matches under Tuchel without conceding a goal, the German manager faced criticism for some uninspiring performances.
But after silencing a hostile home crowd with long spells of possession, Kane broke the deadlock with a diving header from a Declan Rice corner just past the half-hour mark. Less than two minutes later, Madueke doubled the visitors' advantage following excellent work from Morgan Rodgers, reports [the Mirror](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/england-player-ratings-vs-serbia-35877665).
England's position was further bolstered early in the second half when Aston Villa defender Konsa fired home after a scramble in the box. Serbia's night took a turn for the worse when captain Nikola Milenkovic was sent off for a tackle on Kane, with Guehi heading in from the resulting free kick.
Rashford rounded off the scoring, calmly slotting home a penalty after Ollie Watkins was fouled in the box.
Here's how the Chief Football Writer for Mirror Football, John Cross, rated the England players on a night that fuels optimism for their prospects next summer....
England (4-2-3-1).
Jordan Pickford 7.
Another comfortable night. England have yet to concede in this qualifying campaign.
Reece James 7.
Another solid display and James is unquestionably Tuchel's No1 right back.
Ezri Konsa 7.
So calm and composed for England and he got his first international goal.
Marc Guehi 8.
Excellent. His strength, intelligence and quality are why he's so sought after.
Capped off performance with goal.
Tino Livramento 7.
A good performance from left back as he really staked his claim.
Elliot Anderson 8.
Another excellent performance. What a start to his England career.
Declan Rice 7.
Provided an assist with the corner for the opener. Loved getting forward.
Noni Madueke 8.
His pace and direct runs make him such a threat. Scored a terrific goal.
Morgan Rogers 8.
An assist and a good all-round display as he was quick and slick.
Anthony Gordon 7.
Booked. Added some pace, zip and threat from the left.
Good display.
Harry Kane 7.
Yet another goal to extend his record further. The captain led by example.
Substitutes.
Spence, for James, 68 mins, 6.
Rashford, for Gordon, 69 mins, 6.
Watkins, for Kane, 76 mins, 6.
Bowen, for Madueke, 76 mins, 6.
Henderson, for Rice, 81 mins, 6.
Unused Subs: Quansah, Eze, Burn, D Henderson, Gibbs-White, Loftus-Cheek, Trafford.
Man of the match: Morgan Rogers. He edged out a host of strong contenders, proving to be the catalyst on the pitch.