Nidhish Waghmare
England have won all four of their World Cup qualifiers under Thomas Tuchel, without conceding a goal. But the performances have lacked spark, and Tuesday’s clash against Serbia in Belgrade is expected to be their toughest test yet. The Rajko Mitic Stadium, known for its intense atmosphere, will challenge England’s composure and Tuchel’s tactical blueprint.
Serbia Ready to Challenge
Serbia, led by coach Dragan Stojkovic, come into the match with confidence after a 1-0 win over Latvia. Despite a partial stadium closure due to fan misconduct, the environment is expected to be electric. Key players like Dusan Vlahovic and Luka Jovic will pose a serious threat to England’s defence, while Nikola Milenkovic anchors Serbia’s backline.
Tuchel’s Tactical Identity Still Unclear
Since replacing Gareth Southgate after Euro 2024, Tuchel has yet to stamp a clear identity on the England squad. The team has relied on a 4-4-1-1 formation, with Harry Kane leading the attack, but fans and pundits are still waiting for a standout performance. Tuchel described the Serbia match as “proof of concept,” a chance to show real progress.
World Cup Countdown Begins
With only seven games left before Tuchel names his World Cup squad, every match counts. The coach has hinted at narrowing down his options and increasing competition within the squad. England currently lead Group K by five points, but Serbia have a game in hand. A win in Belgrade would solidify England’s position and boost confidence heading into the final stretch.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings