England's recent victory against Serbia not only keeps their flawless record intact in World Cup qualifying but also highlights the brilliance and areas for improvement within their squad. But here's where it gets controversial: while some players showcased exceptional skill and promise, others missed vital opportunities, raising questions about consistency and strategy. Let's delve into an in-depth analysis of the match, player performances, and what this means for the Three Lions moving forward.
On a rainy evening in North London, England secured a solid 2-0 win over Serbia, ensuring they remain unbeaten in their qualification campaign. The goals came from two talented Arsenal players, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, whose precise finishes were crucial in sealing the victory. The first goal, scored 28 minutes into the match, stemmed from a bizarre moment in the Serbian goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic's decision-making. He inexplicably stepped forward to punch Declan Rice's free-kick into his own defensive zone, resulting in a rebound that set up Nico O'Reilly to support the attack. O'Reilly's cross was promptly volleyed by Saka with great composure at the back post, illustrating his growing confidence on the international stage.
Harry Kane, England’s captain, missed a golden chance to double the lead just before halftime when he moved unmarked to meet Rice’s corner but unfortunately headed wide. That moment underlined a recurring theme for Kane: the importance of clinical finishing. Serbia’s best moment to level the score came through Filip Kostic, who whipped in a dangerous cross for Dusan Vlahovic. However, Vlahovic’s delicate flick went just wide of Jordan Pickford’s goal, showing the narrow margins in such high-stakes encounters.
Throughout the second half, Thomas Tuchel made strategic substitutions to inject freshness. Jude Bellingham, linking up with Reece James and Phil Foden, showed flashes of his creative ability, although his efforts were thwarted by the Serbian defense. Foden, operating as a false nine and brought on for Kane, played a pivotal role by setting up Eze for the second goal in the final moments of normal time—an elegant finish from 18 yards that secured the win and the three points.
Defensively, England appeared solid for most of the game, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford managing his responsibilities reliably despite a minor lapse in the first half that could have been costly. Reece James and Ezri Konsa demonstrated their versatility and resilience—James with his energetic play and crossing ability, Konsa with his sharpness in recovery. The defense, while not tested repeatedly, showed cohesion and adaptability.
In midfield, newcomers like Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers impressed by maintaining tempo and probing for gaps. Anderson’s experience and sharp passing kept play progressing smoothly, earning him a solid 7/10 rating. Rogers, despite his energetic runs, was sometimes overlooked in the build-up, but his efforts were still crucial in creating chances.
Up front, Saka showcased why he's regarded as one of England's brightest attacking talents, grabbing an 8/10 for his influential presence and finishing. Harry Kane, however, received only a 6/10, primarily due to his missed opportunity, and Rashford, also rated a 6/10, struggled to capitalize on his pace and skill, which could be seen as a missed chance for him to shine on this occasion.
The substitutes brought fresh legs and tactical changes. Foden’s assist and Eze’s decisive goal highlighted their importance in the team’s dynamic. Jude Bellingham, while active, didn’t influence the game as much as expected, earning him a modest rating. Henderson’s introduction was an attempt to enforce control, yet Serbia gained ground during his time on the pitch, illustrating the delicate balance in midfield roles.
Overall, manager Thomas Tuchel’s choices reflected a desire to test different combinations and build team cohesion, which, despite not being the most entertaining display, revealed promising signs of evolution within the squad. Their ability to secure victory despite early missed chances underscores resilience, although questions remain about finishing efficiency and consistency.
And this is the part most people miss: even with a perfect record, England’s journey is far from flawless. Will their attacking clarity improve enough for the knockout stages? Is their defense resilient under pressure? And perhaps most controversially—do the current squad selections and tactical setups truly serve the long-term goals of the team? Share your thoughts below: do you believe England’s performance was enough, or do they need a wake-up call to reach their top potential? Your opinions matter—let’s get the conversation going.
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