Saka and Eze Shine as England Extend Perfect Run

England preserved their immaculate World Cup qualifying record with a composed 2-0 victory over Serbia at a damp and subdued Wembley Stadium in London, England, on Thursday, 13 November.

Already assured of their place at the finals next year, Thomas Tuchel’s side were not at their consistent best, but still produced two moments of top-notch football to settle the contest.

Bukayo Saka broke the deadlock two minutes before the half-hour mark, adjusting swiftly to guide a left-footed volley into the far corner after Serbia failed to clear a set piece. The goal injected some urgency into England, with Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane both showcasing hungry play before the interval.

Serbia, driven by fading hopes of reaching the play-offs, threatened sporadically after the break, but goalkeeper Jordan Pickford remained largely untested as he extended his run of clean sheets to ten.

Tuchel introduced Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Eberechi Eze just after the hour, and the trio transformed England’s attacking tempo. Foden clipped a clever pass into Eze’s path in stoppage time, allowing the Crystal Palace midfielder to bend in a fine second goal at the 90-minute mark.

“It stayed intense and a tight match,” Tuchel said afterwards. “I’m happy about this test. The attitude was right.”

England will finish their campaign against hosts Albania this Sunday, 16 November.

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