Bellingham and Foden Shine as England Beat Serbia 3-0 in World Cup Qualifier
England beat Serbia 3-0 in World Cup qualifier

England's national football team delivered a commanding performance against Serbia, securing a crucial 3-0 victory in their World Cup qualifying campaign at Wembley Stadium. The match showcased the exceptional talents of Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, who both found the net in a display that will boost confidence ahead of future challenges.

Midfield Maestros Dominate Proceedings

The match saw Jude Bellingham opening the scoring with a characteristically powerful header in the 25th minute, demonstrating why he's considered one of world football's most complete midfielders. Manchester City's Phil Foden doubled England's advantage before halftime with a precise finish, capitalising on creative work from Bukayo Saka.

England manager Thomas Tuchel had emphasised the importance of a strong start to their qualifying campaign, and his players delivered exactly that. The German tactician's system allowed both Bellingham and Foden to flourish in advanced roles, with their movement and technical quality proving too much for the Serbian defence to handle throughout the evening.

Defensive Solidity and Tactical Discipline

While the attacking players captured headlines, England's defensive organisation deserved equal praise. Harry Maguire produced a commanding performance at centre-back, while Kyle Walker's recovery pace repeatedly neutralised Serbian counter-attacks. The clean sheet represented England's third consecutive match without conceding, building a solid foundation for their qualification hopes.

Serbia, despite possessing considerable attacking talent themselves, struggled to create clear opportunities against England's disciplined shape. Their frustration became evident in the second half when a contentious challenge led to heated exchanges between both sets of players, though order was quickly restored.

Looking Ahead in Qualification

This victory places England in a strong position early in their World Cup qualifying group, with three points secured from a potentially tricky fixture. The performance of Bellingham and Foden in particular suggests the creative burden following Harry Kane's international retirement is in capable hands.

Tuchel will be pleased with both the result and the manner of performance, though he'll likely emphasise the need for consistency throughout the lengthy qualification process. England's next fixture sees them travel to face Slovenia, where another positive result would further establish their credentials as group favourites.

The Wembley crowd witnessed an England team playing with confidence and tactical intelligence, offering encouragement for what lies ahead in their quest to reach the 2026 World Cup. With key players hitting form at the right time, the early signs under Tuchel's leadership appear promising.