The "Three Lions" had already secured their spot in the World Cup 2026 last month. However, coach Thomas Tuchel still fielded a strong starting eleven for the match at Wembley on 13/11, which was England's final home game of the qualifying campaign. Key players such as Jordan Pickford, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Harry Kane all started.

Playing with confidence, England dominated the game. The hosts controlled 63% of possession and registered 21 shots, with 6 on target, compared to Serbia's 9 shots and 3 on target.

Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring the opening goal in England's 2-0 victory over Serbia in the penultimate Group K match of the World Cup 2026 European qualifiers at Wembley Stadium, London, England on 13/11. *Photo: FA*

Decisive moments from Arsenal's stars determined the match. In the 28th minute, following a deflected shot from Nico O'Reilly, Bukayo Saka seized the opportunity, placing a left-footed shot into the far corner. Goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic stretched to his limit but could not reach the ball.

In the 90th minute, Eberechi Eze shone. From a pass by Phil Foden, the Arsenal midfielder, valued at 90 million USD, curled a first-time right-footed shot into the far corner, sealing the 2-0 victory.

This marked the fifth time in England's history that two Arsenal players scored in the same match, and the first instance since Saka and Emile Smith Rowe found the net against San Marino in 11/2021.

Eberechi Eze curls a shot into the top corner to seal the score for England. *Photo: Reuters*

After the match, coach Tuchel expressed satisfaction that England had overcome several difficult tests. He emphasized the team's flexibility and the important role played by the substitutes. According to the German coach, "The Three Lions" entered the game aiming to generate fresh energy from the bench, and this strategy proved effective.

Tuchel also highlighted a problem in the second half, where England failed to maintain synchronized pressing, allowing Serbia several dangerous breakthroughs. "That's why we had to expend a lot of energy to protect the score", he stated. "But I liked this match. It was intense, high-tempo, and truly reflected the quality of the opponent. The team's attitude was correct."

In their final group match, England will face Albania at Kombetare Stadium on 16/11.