England made a massive statement in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier as they thrashed Serbia 5-0 at the Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade. Thomas Tuchel’s side showed complete dominance, extending their perfect run in Group K and moving seven points clear at the top. Goals from Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi and Marcus Rashford sealed the win, leaving Serbia stunned in front of their home fans.
- Fixture: Serbia vs England
- Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier, Group K
- Venue: Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade
- Final Score: Serbia 0-5 England
- England Scorers: Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Marcus Rashford
- Manager: Thomas Tuchel
- Group Standing: England 1st, 7 points clear
The game began with Serbia determined to frustrate England, but Tuchel’s men quickly established control. The breakthrough arrived in the 33rd minute when Harry Kane rose highest to head home Declan Rice’s corner. It was a typically clinical finish from the captain, who set the tone for England’s attacking dominance. Soon after, Noni Madueke doubled the lead with his first goal for England, showcasing his composure by lifting the ball over the goalkeeper after a clever assist from Morgan Rogers. These early strikes in the World Cup Qualifier silenced the home crowd and gave England full command of the contest.
The second half brought more joy for England’s defenders, who contributed at the other end of the pitch. Ezri Konsa, making only his second start for the national team, scored his first international goal to extend the lead to 3-0. His header highlighted the aerial superiority of Tuchel’s side in this World Cup Qualifier. Moments later, Serbia’s Nikola Milenkovic was shown a straight red card for a foul on Kane, and from the resulting free-kick, Marc Guehi turned home his own debut goal to make it 4-0. It was a night of milestones, with two defenders opening their accounts for the national team.
Marcus Rashford completed the scoring from the penalty spot, calmly sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to seal a 5-0 win. The Manchester United forward’s strike ensured that five different players contributed to the goal tally, a clear reflection of the depth and balance in Tuchel’s squad. The World Cup Qualifier victory was a showcase of team unity, with contributions from both attackers and defenders in a match where England looked unstoppable.
Despite the one-sided scoreline, the evening was not without controversy. Play was briefly halted in the first half when a green laser was shone into Ezri Konsa’s face, while Reece James had also been targeted moments earlier. Referee Clement Turpin stopped the game and issued a stadium warning against such behavior. The Serbian fans further added to the troubles when anti-government chants and Kosovo-related songs broke out, forcing riot police to intervene. With Serbia already under sanction for fan misconduct, further punishments from FIFA now appear likely.
Tuchel, however, preferred to focus on the positives of England’s display. Speaking after the game, the England manager praised the intensity and discipline of his players, describing the result as “teamwork in its purest form.” He highlighted the collective defensive effort that prevented Serbia from registering a single shot on target, while also applauding the creativity in attack. Under Tuchel, England have now won all five of their World Cup Qualifier matches, scoring freely and yet to concede a goal.
The statistics from the match further underline England’s dominance. They registered 12 attempts on goal compared to Serbia’s zero on target, controlled possession, and showed clinical finishing. The defensive pairing of Konsa and Guehi stood out not only for their goals but also for neutralizing Serbia’s attacking threat. Meanwhile, Kane’s leadership and Rice’s midfield control gave the team balance. For Madueke, his goal marked a significant step forward as he continues to establish himself as a vital part of Tuchel’s system.
This victory also holds historical importance. England have not maintained a 100% record in World Cup qualifying campaigns since the 1950s, but Tuchel’s side is now within touching distance of achieving that feat. With three games remaining, including a return fixture against Serbia, England require only one win and two draws to confirm their place at the 2026 World Cup. The win in Belgrade not only strengthens their qualification hopes but also boosts confidence ahead of tougher challenges on the road to the tournament.
France Hold On in World Cup Qualifier Against Iceland
While England were celebrating in Belgrade, France had to fight much harder in their World Cup Qualifier clash against Iceland. Kylian Mbappé once again proved to be the difference-maker as France came from behind to win 2-1 at the Parc des Princes.
Iceland shocked the home side by capitalizing on a mistake from Michael Olise, allowing Andri Gudjohnsen to score the opener. Just before halftime, Mbappé drew France level with a penalty after being fouled in the box. In the second half, the Paris Saint-Germain forward turned provider, racing forward on the counter and setting up Bradley Barcola to give France the lead.
The night turned tense when Aurélien Tchouaméni was sent off for a reckless tackle, forcing France to defend with 10 men. Despite Iceland’s pressure, Didier Deschamps’ side held firm to secure three crucial points. The result means France top Group D, but the World Cup Qualifier clash highlighted how even Europe’s heavyweights must dig deep on the road to the 2026 tournament.
FAQs
Q1: What was the score in the World Cup Qualifier between Serbia and England?
England won 5-0 against Serbia in Belgrade.
Q2: Who scored for England in the World Cup Qualifier?
Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, and Marcus Rashford all scored.
Q3: Where was the Serbia vs England World Cup Qualifier played?
It was played at the Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade.
Q4: How many points clear are England at the top of Group K?
England are seven points clear at the top of Group K after five matches.
Q5: What did Thomas Tuchel say after the World Cup Qualifier win?
Tuchel praised his players, calling the performance “teamwork in its purest form.”
