World Cup Qualifying - Europe
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Sep 9, 2025 7.45pm
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Serbia 0-5 England: Highlights, man of the match, stats as records equalled in Thomas Tuchel trouncing

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Five goals. Five stars. Five wins. Rejuvenated England slaughter sorry Serbia
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England produced their most devastating performance under Thomas Tuchel yet as they cruised to a 5-0 victory over Serbia to remain perfect in Group K of World Cup 2026 Qualifying.

After labouring to a forgettable victory over Andorra, a step-up in opposition calibre could have proved problematic for a shot-shy Three Lions side, who were found wanting in front of goal during the opening 30 minutes again.

However, Thomas Tuchel's men soon found that elusive cutting edge later in the first half, as captain Harry Kane steered a record-equalling header home before Noni Madueke's well-worked first goal for England.

Not resting on their laurels after going two goals to the good, the visitors strode further out of sight early in the second half through an Ezri Konsa finish, as individual defenders from both sides endured completely contrasting evenings.

Nottingham Forest centre-back Nikola Milenkovic was then sent off for the hosts for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, shortly before Marc Guehi also got in on the act, and a late Marcus Rashford penalty capped off a five-star display.

While England's attackers will undoubtedly steal the headlines, the Three Lions have also now kept seven consecutive clean sheets in consecutive matches, equalling a national team record set in 1989 under Sir Bobby Robson.

Still perfect in Group K with 15 points from a possible 15, England have extended their lead over Serbia to eight and are seven points better off than second-placed Albania, who have pushed the Eagles into third place thanks to their triumph over Latvia.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

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And all from Andorra is forgiven. 

As impeccable as England had been defensively during Tuchel's first matches in charge - Senegal aside - the Euro 2020 and 2024 runners-up did not demonstrate a ruthless attacking streak that fans oh so craved.

However, against the strongest opposition they have faced so far in qualifying, the visitors demonstrated a devastating threat both from set-pieces and open play, the latter thanks in no small part to a masterful Morgan Rogers performance.

And to think this is an England side who are missing the likes of Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka, whose absences may have been felt at Villa Park, but certainly not in Belgrade.

England were helped by Serbia boss Dragan Stojkovic choosing an unfamiliar formation - opting for just the one centre-forward as opposed to his recognisable 3-5-2 setup - but Tuchel's men still had to capitalise, and capitalise they did, as many players gave the manager food for thought for the World Cup.

SERBIA VS. ENGLAND HIGHLIGHTS

Harry Kane goal vs. Serbia (33rd min, Serbia 0-1 England)

When the going gets tough, Harry Kane.

As he has done so often for Arsenal over the past year, Declan Rice delivers an on-the-money corner for his captain, who is a good 12 yards from goal but does brilliantly to change the direction of the ball and find the back of the net via the inside of the post.

The skipper has now scored against 16 different nations away from home for England, matching the all-time record set by Wayne Rooney.

Noni Madueke goal vs. Serbia (36th min, Serbia 0-2 England)

Like Belgrade buses! A wonderful move from start to finish and Madueke has his first senior international goal.

Rogers plays the most nonchalant of flicks into the path of the charging Arsenal winger, who darts in behind the defence, gets goal-side of Strahinja Pavlovic and delicately lifts the ball over Djordje Petrovic into the centre of the goal.

Ezri Konsa goal vs. Serbia (52nd min, Serbia 0-3 England)

Another first-time scorer, and surely another qualifying win for the Three Lions!

Anthony Gordon's long-range strike is parried to the feet of Guehi by Petrovic, and even though the Crystal Palace captain cannot sort his feet out in time, the ball falls kindly for Konsa at the far post to smash home from close range.

Nikola Milenkovic red card vs. England (72nd min, Serbia 0-3 England)

Something tells me this game is now finished as a contest.

Kane is about to burst through on goal - or maybe slightly away from goal - before being scythed down by Milenkovic, who is given a straight red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Marc Guehi goal vs. Serbia (75th min, Serbia 0-4 England)

The first-time scorers are out in force tonight!

From the resulting free kick, Rice's customary pinpoint inswinger finds Guehi, who peels away from a beleaguered Pavlovic and pokes home through Petrovic's legs from inside the six-yard box.

Marcus Rashford goal vs. Serbia (90th min, Serbia 0-5 England)

Five goals. Five stars. Five wins.

Clement Turpin inexplicably fails to award a penalty when Ollie Watkins is brought down by Strahinja Erakovic, but the referee changes his mind upon a quick check of the pitchside monitor.

Rashford assumes the responsibility from 12 yards, and at the risk of looking a fool had he missed, he psyches out Petrovic with a stuttered run-up and coolly slots the ball to the goalkeeper's right.

MAN OF THE MATCH - DECLAN RICE

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So many candidates, just one award.

Aston Villa playmaker Rogers deserves his plaudits and then some, as do Guehi, Konsa and Madueke, but £105m man Rice ran the show yet again.

Not just providing two delightful deliveries for Kane and Guehi's efforts, the Arsenal lynchpin registered a 96% pass accuracy rate and peppered the Serbia goal with seven shots; the only thing that was missing was a strike of his own.

SERBIA VS. ENGLAND MATCH STATS

Possession: Serbia 30%-70% England

Shots: Serbia 3-24 England

Shots on target: Serbia 0-12 England

Corners: Serbia 2-6 England

Fouls: Serbia 11-10 England

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

After hosting Wales in a friendly on October 9, England could potentially seal their place in the 2026 World Cup with two games to spare when they face Latvia away from home on October 14 - if other results go their way.

On the other hand, Serbia - whose eight-game unbeaten run has now come to an end - are under immense pressure to beat both Albania (October 11, H) and Andorra (October 14, A) in their bid to reclaim second spot and a playoff berth.

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