Ruthless England Seal World Cup Qualification with Wembley Victory
England confirmed their place at next summer's World Cup finals with a professional 2-0 victory over Serbia at Wembley, maintaining their perfect qualifying record with two matches still to play. Despite the lack of competitive tension in what was essentially a dead rubber, Thomas Tuchel's side delivered the required result through moments of individual brilliance from Bukayo Saka and substitute Eberechi Eze.
Saka's Technical Masterclass Breaks Serbian Resistance
The match struggled to find its rhythm during the opening exchanges, with Serbia's organised 4-5-1 formation proving difficult to penetrate. The breakthrough arrived in the 28th minute through Arsenal's Bukayo Saka. After Serbia goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic misjudged a punch from Declan Rice's free-kick, the ball eventually fell to Saka on the right edge of the penalty area. The winger displayed impeccable technique, adjusting his body to volley first-time with his left foot into the far corner.
England had created earlier opportunities, with Marcus Rashford testing Rajkovic and Harry Kane heading wide from a corner. Morgan Rogers, retained in the number ten role ahead of the recalled Jude Bellingham, also glanced a header off target. The selection demonstrated Tuchel's commitment to rewarding consistent performers, with Rogers having impressed during previous qualifiers.
Eze's Beautiful Curler Seals the Points
Tuchel introduced four substitutes simultaneously in the 64th minute, including Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Eberechi Eze. The changes had an immediate impact. Just moments after coming on, Eze saw one effort crash against the crossbar via Rajkovic's touch. The Crystal Palace midfielder wasn't to be denied his moment, however.
England's second goal arrived from a swift counter-attack that began controversially. Serbia appealed for a foul when Bellingham appeared to have his shirt pulled, but play continued with Foden feeding Eze. The midfielder produced a delightful first-time curler that arched beyond Rajkovic's reach into the far corner, effectively sealing the three points.
The victory extends England's remarkable defensive record, with Jordan Pickford now having kept ten consecutive clean sheets. The Everton goalkeeper's last concession came in a Nations League defeat to Greece back in October of the previous year.
Empty Seats and Limited Serbian Presence
The occasion lacked the typical Wembley atmosphere, with numerous empty seats visible throughout the stadium. The Serbia section was particularly sparse after their football association refused to organise ticket sales following recent crowd trouble. Approximately 30 Serbian supporters occupied three blocks in one corner of the ground, creating a subdued backdrop to what was always likely to be a straightforward England victory.
With qualification already secured and the serious business of the World Cup finals ahead, this performance served its purpose rather than thrilling the Wembley crowd. England now travel to face Albania in Tirana on Sunday to conclude their flawless qualifying campaign.
