England maintained their perfect World Cup qualifying record with a 2-0 victory over Serbia, featuring a spectacular opening goal from Bukayo Saka and a late flourish from substitute Eberechi Eze.
Saka, who played the full 90 minutes, cemented his status as one of coach Thomas Tuchel’s most trusted lieutenants alongside Harry Kane, proving he is a vital, game-changing influence for the World Cup campaign.
Despite the secure win, the focus remained on the fierce competition for starting places. Tuchel introduced “finishers” Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Eze after 65 minutes, demonstrating the squad’s formidable depth.
The main contest remains the number 10 role, where Tuchel showed loyalty by starting Morgan Rogers over Bellingham. Both midfielders, along with Foden, remain locked in a pleasant selection headache for the coach.
Tuchel stressed that the priority is “building a team” and ensuring players “buy into it” by putting ego aside.
The selection debates will continue in the next fixture against Albania, with positions like left-back and left wing also still highly contested.
