England maintained their perfect World Cup qualifying record with a 2-0 win over Serbia at Wembley, goals from Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze ensuring Thomas Tuchel's side finished the autumn programme with seven wins from seven matches. The result, played out in front of a subdued crowd, confirmed England's place at next summer's finals had already been secured with two games to spare.
Saka opened the scoring in the 28th minute, volleying home after a poor punch from Serbia goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic from a Declan Rice free-kick. The Arsenal winger's trademark technique saw him adjust his feet and caress a left-footed effort into the far corner. Eze sealed the win in stoppage time, curling a first-time shot past Rajkovic on the counterattack after Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden combined to set him up.
Tuchel had named Bellingham as a substitute, retaining Morgan Rogers as the No 10 in his starting lineup. Rogers had impressed in the previous three matches, all won by convincing scorelines. Bellingham received the loudest cheer of the night when he came on as part of a quadruple substitution in the 65th minute, but the atmosphere at Wembley remained flat, with several empty seats visible.
Marcus Rashford, starting in the absence of the injured Anthony Gordon, showed pace and willingness to run at his full-back but his end product was erratic. Serbia, playing their first game under new manager Veljko Paunovic, saw their slim hopes of a playoff spot ended by the defeat, with Albania's win over Andorra confirming their elimination.
Jordan Pickford extended his record of consecutive clean sheets for England to 10, having not conceded since October last year. England's defence barely ceded an inch, ensuring another quiet night for the Everton goalkeeper. Tuchel's side now face Albania in Tirana on Sunday in their final qualifier.
