England continued to assert their superiority in the qualifying rounds, delivering a professional and controlled 2-0 victory against Serbia. The win not only extended the Three Lions' winning streak but also highlighted their clinical efficiency and depth, showcasing why they remain one of the dominant forces in international football.
Early Breakthrough Sets the Tone for The Three Lions
England, under the guidance of coach Thomas Tuchel, approached the match with the confident, proactive style that has characterized their qualifying campaign. From the first whistle, the English midfield and attack applied intense pressure, forcing Serbia to retreat deep and dedicate themselves fully to defense.
The opening goal, which perfectly illustrated England's quality, arrived in the 28th minute following a delicate passage of play. Amidst a chaotic situation developing inside the Serbian penalty area, winger Bukayo Saka reacted with exceptional speed. He seized the loose ball and fired a low shot into the bottom left corner, giving the Serbian goalkeeper no chance and putting England ahead 1-0. Following the goal, England maintained an active tempo, skillfully controlling the flow of the game and making it virtually impossible for Serbia to launch any sustained counter-attack. The first half concluded with a clear and comfortable advantage for the home side.
Tuchel’s Adjustments Pay Immediate Dividends
Entering the second half, the coaching staff made continuous tactical adjustments aimed at maintaining rhythm and injecting fresh energy into the attack. Key personnel changes saw players like Morgan Rogers, Declan Rice, and Harry Kane eventually replaced by the likes of Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, and Phil Foden.
These substitutions had an immediate effect, reinvigorating England's attack, while Serbia gradually showed signs of exhaustion, forced to make multiple changes themselves due to the sustained pressure and resulting injuries.
The introduction of Eberechi Eze in the 64th minute for Marcus Rashford proved particularly inspired. Eze quickly became the focal point of several attacks. He executed a brave and powerful sprint late in the game, latching onto a perfect through ball, only for his effort to agonizingly strike the crossbar in the 87th minute.
Eze Seals Victory Despite VAR Delay
The reward for England's persistence finally materialized in the 90th minute. Jude Bellingham delivered a precise pass into the penalty area, seemingly setting up Eze. The English attacker demonstrated exceptional composure and balance, controlling the ball before unleashing a powerful strike into the roof of the net, sealing the score at 2-0.
The celebration was briefly put on hold as the goal was subject to a VAR review. However, after only a few tense seconds, referee Ivan Kruzliak confirmed the goal was valid, sparking an eruption of joy from the English audience. For Serbia, the late goal signaled complete disarray, effectively ending their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup in a decisive moment.
The final minutes were reduced to a formality. Serbia received another yellow card out of frustration, while England skillfully held possession, awaiting the final whistle. When the match concluded, the Three Lions secured a convincing 2-0 victory, marking another solid performance that showcased their all-round strength, from a stout defense to a clinical attack.
This perfect run in the qualifying round underscores England's status as a genuine contender, while Serbia leaves the field disappointed, their World Cup aspirations diminished at the final hurdle.