England will be aiming to extend their perfect start in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers when they visit Belgrade on Tuesday evening to face Serbia in a highly anticipated Group K clash.
The Three Lions sit top of the section with 12 points from four matches, five clear of second-placed Serbia. However, the hosts remain unbeaten and have a game in hand, making this a crucial encounter in the race for automatic qualification.
Match Preview
Serbia began their qualifying campaign with a goalless draw against Albania before recording back-to-back victories over Andorra and Latvia. The Eagles have yet to concede a goal in the group, collecting seven points and building momentum under head coach Dragan Stojkovic.
A win on Tuesday would close the gap on England to just two points and strengthen Serbia’s hopes of challenging for top spot, rather than settling for a playoff place. Serbia have appeared in three of the last four World Cups but have struggled to progress beyond the group stage.
England, meanwhile, continued their winning run with a 2-0 victory against Andorra on Saturday. Goals from Christian Garcia (own goal) and Declan Rice kept Thomas Tuchel’s side firmly in control of Group K, with the Three Lions still yet to concede in the campaign.
Despite their strong position, England’s attacking displays have raised questions, with just three goals scored across two matches against Andorra. Tuchel remains under pressure to deliver, particularly after reaching the last two European Championship finals without lifting the trophy.
Team News
Serbia are expected to make changes from their win over Latvia, with Aleksandar Mitrovic, the country’s all-time leading scorer, likely to return to the starting XI alongside Dusan Vlahovic. Nemanja Gudelj, Nemanja Maksimovic, and Nikola Milenkovic are also pushing for recalls.
England have no fresh injury concerns following the Andorra match. Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers could be handed starts in attack, while Ezri Konsa may replace Dan Burn in defence. Elliot Anderson, who impressed last time out, could keep his place in midfield.
Serbia predicted XI: Petrovic; Milenkovic, Erakovic, Pavlovic; Zivkovic, Gudelj, Maksimovic, Samardzic, Terzic; Mitrovic, Vlahovic.
England predicted XI: Pickford; James, Guehi, Konsa, Lewis-Skelly; Anderson, Rice; Madueke, Rogers, Gordon; Kane.
Prediction
Serbia’s strong home form and England’s occasional attacking struggles suggest a close contest in Belgrade. With both sides yet to concede in qualifying, a tight draw appears the most likely outcome.
We say: Serbia 1-1 England
