At the Rajko Mitic Stadium on 9/9, England played their best match since Tuchel took charge. The Three Lions dominated possession with 70%, taking 24 shots with 12 on target, compared to Serbia's three shots and zero on target.

Harry Kane celebrates his opening goal in England's 5-0 victory over Serbia in Group K of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers - European zone on 9/9. Photo: Guardian

Harry Kane celebrates his opening goal in England's 5-0 victory over Serbia in Group K of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers - European zone on 9/9. Photo: Guardian

England broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute when Declan Rice's corner from the right wing found Harry Kane, who expertly headed the ball into the far corner.

Midfielder Noni Madueke then scored his first international goal, followed by center-backs Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi, both also netting their first goals for the national team. In the 90th minute, VAR awarded England a penalty, which Marcus Rashford converted to seal the 5-0 victory.

This marked the third time since winning the 1966 World Cup that England has had at least three players score their first international goals in the same match. The previous instances were against Wales in October 2020 (Ings, Coady, Calvert-Lewin) and the Republic of Ireland in November 2024 (Gordon, Gallagher, Harwood-Bellis, Bowen).

Coach Thomas Tuchel before the match. Photo: The FA

Coach Thomas Tuchel before the match. Photo: The FA

This was also England's most emphatic victory since Tuchel took the helm earlier this year. Their previous results include a 2-0 win over Andorra, a 3-1 loss to Senegal, a 1-0 win over Andorra, a 3-0 victory over Latvia, and a 2-0 win over Albania.

Tuchel stated that this victory not only dispelled doubts but also demonstrated that the team is progressing in the right direction under his leadership. The German coach emphasized that the performance against Serbia was a perfect blend of tactical discipline and team spirit.

England continues to lead Group K with a flawless 15 points. They are followed by Albania (8 points), Serbia (7), Latvia (4), and Andorra (0). During the October FIFA international break, Tuchel's team will play a friendly against Wales and their next qualifying match against Latvia.

Kylian Mbappe celebrates his goal in France's 2-1 win over Iceland at Parc des Princes, Paris, France, on 9/9. Photo: AP

Kylian Mbappe celebrates his goal in France's 2-1 win over Iceland at Parc des Princes, Paris, France, on 9/9. Photo: AP

In Group D, France defeated Iceland 2-1 thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappe and Bradley Barcola. Mbappe scored his 52nd goal for the national team, surpassing the record of legend Thierry Henry and now trails Olivier Giroud's record by only five goals.

France leads Group D with six points. Iceland has three, while Ukraine and Azerbaijan each have one. The top team in each qualifying group will secure a direct spot in the 2026 World Cup, while the runners-up will compete for remaining spots in the second stage.

Hong Duy