Thomas Tuchel’s England side have taken a gigantic leap towards World Cup qualification with a statement 5-0 victory over Serbia. Trouble in the terraces and a hostile atmosphere didn’t put the 1966 winners off, who dazzled at the home of Red Star Belgrade.
What had been billed as England’s toughest test of World Cup qualification turned out to be somewhat of a walk in the park, with the away side taking a deserved lead just after the half-hour mark. Harry Kane nodded in the opener, with Noni Madueke dancing through the Serbian defence to net his first goal in England colours.
Ezri Konsa added a third for Tuchel’s men just seven minutes after the restart, with his centre-back partner Marc Guehi also getting his name on the scoresheet later in the day. A five-star performance was capped off in added time when Marcus Rashford converted from the spot to mark his return to the England side. Express Sport hands out player ratings following England’s win over Serbia.
Jordan Pickford – 6
Impressed more with his feet than he did his hands, but that was only because Jordan Pickford barely had a save to make. He’ll be No.1 when England travel to North America next summer and rightly so. One of the most underrated England players of his generation.
Reece James – 7
A Tuchel stalwart and understandably so. How much it helps the German to have a player like Reece James, who is already accustomed to Tuchel’s methods from their time at Chelsea, among the ranks. If he can stay fit, he’ll be one of the first names on the team sheet at the World Cup.
Marc Guehi – 8
A performance that demonstrated exactly why Liverpool were so keen to sign him in the summer transfer window. Marc Guehi’s game has gone up another level in the last 12 months and it’s probably fair to consider the 25-year-old England’s best centre-back right now.
Ezri Konsa – 7
Alive inside the penalty area to steer home the visitor’s third, but was equally aware whenever the Serbian attackers made a rare foray into the England final third.
Tino Livramento – 7
Stylish, efficient and full of energy. They’re just some of the words to describe Tino Livramento’s performance, with the Newcastle ace impressive at both ends of the pitch.
Elliot Anderson – 8
Aside from a shaky, misplaced pass in the first half, it was another composed performance for England’s anchorman. Elliot Anderson’s composed presence at the base of midfield is just what the Three Lions have been crying out for, and whisper it, exactly what they lacked in last year’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain. Perhaps the missing piece of the England jigsaw?
Declan Rice – 7
It’s become commonplace to see Declan Rice picking up assists nowadays, such is his ability from dead-ball situations. The Arsenal midfielder contributed to two goals during a solid showing against Serbia.
Morgan Rogers – 7
The hidden gem for England on Tuesday night, with Morgan Rogers keeping things ticking over in the final third. He himself picked up an assist and while there’s set to be plenty of competition for that No.10 role, the Aston Villa ace hasn’t done his case any harm with that sort of showing.
Noni Madueke – 7
One of the brightest performers for England in the post-Euro 2024 period, with Noni Madueke having originally caught the eye after Lee Carsley brought him into the side and hasn’t looked back since. His goal was just the sort of dynamism England fans have been crying out for from their attackers.
Harry Kane – 7
After playing down criticism following the drab win over Andorra, Harry Kane insisted that if he’s given chances, he’ll score goals. He did just that, with the Bayern Munich marksman guiding a tricky header into the bottom left-hand corner to kick the scoring off in Belgrade.
Anthony Gordon – 6
Probably the quietest of England’s forwards, but it wasn’t for the lack of trying. It’s been a couple of weeks since Anthony Gordon took to the pitch, given his red card in the first half of Newcastle’s clash with Liverpool. He’ll be one of those looking over his shoulder, given the quality of players currently absent from the squad.
Substitutes:
Marcus Rashford – 7
Became the first Barcelona player since Gary Lineker to pull on an England shirt and Marcus Rashford marked it with a goal. It will mean the world to the forward, who has come under fire in recent weeks.
Ollie Watkins – 6
Looked lively and came close to netting himself, but Ollie Watkins failed to hold his run and was rightly called offside.
Djed Spence – 6
A deserved first cap for one of the Premier League’s best players so far this season.
Jarrod Bowen – 6
Perhaps unlucky not to have picked up more minutes during the current camp, but looked lively off the bench.
Jordan Henderson – 6
Looked happy to be out there, which is all that mattered at that stage of the game, really.