England vs. Serbia: Captain Fantastic to Shine for Three Lions
Wembley Stadium is set to host a crucial World Cup 2026 qualifying match between England and Serbia on Thursday, November 13, 2025. With England already securing their place at the finals, the pressure is on Serbia to secure a result that keeps their qualification hopes alive.
England's Dominance and Tuchel's Impact
England have enjoyed a flawless qualifying campaign, winning all six of their matches and scoring 18 goals without conceding. Under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel, the Three Lions have displayed a ruthless edge, with recent victories including a 5-0 thrashing of Serbia in the reverse fixture and another 5-0 win against Latvia. Tuchel's tactical prowess and focus on defensive solidity have transformed England into a formidable force.
Tuchel isn't shying away from making big decisions. He has recalled players like Jordan Henderson while also leaving out Trent Alexander-Arnold in the past. With a place in the World Cup secured, Tuchel may use this match to experiment with the squad, giving opportunities to players on the fringes to prove their worth. He has also mentioned that some players might not be able to play together in the same team.
Serbia's Challenge and New Management
Serbia's qualifying campaign has been less impressive, with a 5-0 defeat to England and a loss to Albania. These results led to the departure of coach Dragan Stojkovic, with Veljko Paunovic, former Reading and Real Oviedo boss, taking over. Paunovic, who led Serbia to victory in the Under-20 World Cup in 2015, is known for his conservative style of play, suggesting that Serbia may adopt a defensive approach at Wembley. The absence of their all-time top scorer, Aleksandar Mitrovic, due to an unspecified injury, further compounds Serbia's challenges.
Key Players and Tactical Approaches
England's captain and record goalscorer, Harry Kane, is expected to lead the line. Kane has been in exceptional form, averaging a goal and 4.3 shots per game in the qualifying campaign. His ability to find the net, coupled with the creativity of players like Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford, poses a significant threat to Serbia's defense. Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden are also back in the squad, adding further quality and competition for places. However, Bellingham is expected to start from the bench.
Serbia will likely rely on a defensive strategy, aiming to frustrate England's attacking efforts. Their hopes will rest on the likes of Dusan Vlahovic to provide a threat on the counter-attack. Sasa Lukic will also play a key role in midfield, aiming to disrupt England's rhythm and protect the defense.
Prediction
England are strong favorites to win the match, given their home advantage, flawless qualifying record, and superior squad depth. Serbia's new manager bounce may not be enough to overcome England's dominance, particularly with Mitrovic's absence. A comfortable 2-0 or 3-0 victory for England seems the most likely outcome. Harry Kane is poised to add to his international goal tally and lead the Three Lions to another victory.
