England continued their dominant World Cup qualifying run with a comfortable 2-0 win over Serbia at Wembley on Thursday night. The Three Lions, already assured of topping Group K, maintained their perfect record in qualifying – seven wins from seven – with goals from Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze. Saka’s thunderous first-half volley and a stoppage-time finish by Eze secured the victory, extending England’s shutout streak to a remarkable 10 games. Serbia, whose slim hopes of playoff qualification were already hanging by a thread, saw their chances finally extinguished by this result.

Tuchel named a strong side in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Jordan Pickford protected the goal behind a back four of Reece James, John Stones, Ezri Konsa and debutant Nico O’Reilly. In midfield, captain Declan Rice sat deep alongside youngster Elliot Anderson, while Morgan Rogers was given the attacking midfield (No.10) role. With Jude Bellingham (recently returned to fitness) surprisingly on the bench, the wide players were Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka, supporting Harry Kane up front. Serbia, under new boss Veljko Paunović, countered with Predrag Rajković in goal and a lineup featuring stars like Filip Kostić, Andrija Živković and Dusan Vlahović, but they created few clear chances.

England started sluggishly on a rain-soaked night, but a spark arrived late in the first half. In the 28th minute, Saka produced the moment of magic. From a Declan Rice free-kick, Rajković made a poor punch that fell to debutant Nico O’Reilly. O’Reilly’s driven shot was blocked back into play, presenting Saka with the opportunity on the edge of the box. The Arsenal winger “quickly adjust[ed]” and arrowed a powerful left-foot volley into the top corner, giving England a 1-0 lead. As the Guardian noted, it was a “left-foot volley, almost caressed into the far corner” – a classic Saka finish that broke the deadlock and energized the home crowd.

After the break, Thomas Tuchel freshened the team at around 65 minutes. Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Eberechi Eze were introduced to inject pace and creativity. England’s changes quickly paid off. Serbia began to press more urgently – Kostić’s cross found Vlahović on 63′, but his flicked header sailed wide of Pickford’s goal. Ten minutes later England sealed it. A fine team move saw Foden (playing as a false 9) collect a pass from Bellingham and thread a through-ball to Eze. The 22-year-old midfielder took it in stride and curled a beautiful finish into the far corner for 2-0. The goal – Eze’s third for England – capped an effective substitute appearance and sent much of the sparse crowd heading for the exits.

Throughout the match England’s defense was rock-solid. Jordan Pickford was rarely troubled and kept another clean sheet, extending his England record to 10 straight matches without conceding. The final whistle confirmed England’s unbeaten run (7-0-0) in Group K, with 21 points and a staggering +20 goal difference. For Serbia, who had played their first game under Paunović, this result – combined with Albania’s win in Andorra – mathematically ended any hope of a top-two finish or playoff spot.

Key Moments

• 28′ – Saka Scores: Bukayo Saka opened the scoring with a stunning first-half volley after a corner kick break. His left-foot strike was a clinic in technique and power, flying into the top corner beyond Rajković.
• 65′ – Triple Substitutions: England brought on Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Eberechi Eze together. The fresh legs immediately sparked England’s attack and shifted the momentum firmly in their favor.
• 63′ – Vlahović Chance: Serbia’s best opportunity came when Filip Kostić’s cross found Dusan Vlahović, whose glancing header flew just wide of Pickford’s post. It was a rare moment of danger for England’s defense.
• 90+′ – Eze Seals It: In stoppage time, substitute Eberechi Eze curled home England’s second goal. Foden’s clever play and pass set up Eze, who finished with composure into the far corner, putting the result beyond doubt.

Standout Performances

• Bukayo Saka (England): The 22-year-old winger was at the heart of England’s victory. His 28′ volley was the match-winner, and he was a constant threat down the right.
• Eberechi Eze (England): Introduced as a sub, Eze made a decisive impact by scoring the second goal. His composed curling finish in the dying minutes demonstrated great skill.
• Nico O’Reilly (England): The Manchester City left-back earned a man-of-the-match nod for his England debut. His driving shot created the rebound that led to Saka’s opener. The 19-year-old impressed with confidence at the back and willingness to get forward.
• Jordan Pickford (England): England’s captain and goalkeeper had another quiet evening, commanding his area and keeping a clean sheet. He set a new England record by reaching 10 consecutive competitive clean sheets, underlining his ever-present reliability.
• Serbia’s Effort: Although on the losing side, Dusan Vlahović showed determination; he twice came close (including the 63′ header). However, Serbia created too few clear chances and their campaign ultimately fell short.

Significance

This win solidifies England’s status as Group K winners and world-class qualifying side. They remain unbeaten and have yet to concede a goal in qualification, a run of excellence that guarantees them a place at the 2026 World Cup finals in North America with matches to spare. The performance – while not England’s most explosive – ticks all the boxes: two different goalscorers, control of possession and no defensive lapses. For Serbia, the defeat is crushing: it not only knocks them out of contention but caps a disappointing campaign. With qualification achieved, England can now look ahead to the final group game (away to Albania) and then the tournament proper, buoyed by confidence and form.