England produced their most convincing performance under Thomas Tuchel, sweeping aside Serbia in Belgrade to move within touching distance of World Cup qualification.
In what was seen as their hardest assignment of the campaign, England controlled the match from the outset and now needs only five more points from their remaining three fixtures to guarantee a place at next summer’s tournament.
Harry Kane opened the scoring after 33 minutes, heading in Declan Rice’s corner for his 74th goal in 109 appearances. Two minutes later, Arsenal winger Noni Madueke doubled the advantage with a sharp run and cool finish, earning an enthusiastic reaction from Tuchel on the touchline.
Play was briefly interrupted in the first half when Ezri Konsa was targeted by lasers from the stands, but the defender had the final word when he arrived at the far post to score his maiden international goal seven minutes into the second half.
Serbia’s chances diminished further when captain Nikola Milenkovic was dismissed for a foul on Kane. From the free kick that followed, Marc Guehi added a fourth with a well-timed header. In stoppage time, Marcus Rashford converted a penalty after Ollie Watkins was fouled, completing a comprehensive 5-0 victory.
Young stars step up as England shine
Tuchel had promised an improvement after uninspiring earlier wins, and his team delivered on that pledge with a commanding display that silenced the Rajko Mitic Stadium.
Madueke’s breakthrough strike marked his first for the national side and continued his run of direct contributions, while Morgan Rogers also caught the eye with his involvement in the build-up to the second goal. Substitute Djed Spence made history by becoming the first Muslim to represent England’s senior men’s team.
England’s authority was so complete that goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was barely involved, though his clean sheet equalled his own and Gordon Banks’ record of seven in a row.
Focus shifts to next fixtures
Despite fears of an intimidating atmosphere, England handled the occasion with composure, turning a potentially tricky evening into a one-sided contest. Some disorder among Serbia’s supporters in the second half did little to disturb the visitors’ rhythm.
Tuchel’s side will now host Wales at Wembley in a friendly on 9 October before travelling to Latvia five days later for their next qualifier.
