England faces a tough World Cup qualifier against Serbia in Belgrade, offering a crucial test for coach Thomas Tuchel. Despite winning their previous qualifiers, England’s performances have lacked inspiration, putting pressure on Tuchel to demonstrate his vision for the team. The hostile atmosphere of the Rajko Mitic Stadium and Serbia’s talented squad will provide a stern challenge, highlighting the need for England to show both resilience and tactical improvement under Tuchel’s leadership.
Thomas Tuchel's England project faces its most significant examination yet as they travel to Belgrade to face Serbia in a World Cup qualifier. The atmosphere at the Rajko Mitic Stadium, known for its intensity, will provide a stern test of England's resolve and Tuchel's tactical approach.
With only a handful of games remaining before the World Cup squad selection, Tuchel is under pressure to demonstrate tangible progress. While England has secured victories in their qualifying matches, performances have been underwhelming, lacking the spark and clear identity expected under the new manager who replaced Sir Gareth Southgate after Euro 2024.
Victories against lower-ranked teams like Andorra, Albania, and Latvia have been routine, but the trip to Belgrade represents a significant step up in challenge. Serbia, despite a partial stadium closure due to fan misconduct, will provide a hostile and demanding environment. The stadium's notorious tunnel, a lengthy and intimidating walk from the dressing rooms to the pitch, adds to the psychological pressure.
England captain Harry Kane acknowledged the difficulty of the task ahead, stating, "It's going to be tough. It will be a difficult evening, but we have had these games before, and we've handled them well. It will be even more hostile, and they will try to make it as difficult as they can for us."
Serbia boasts a talented squad, including Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic and former Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic, posing a significant threat to England's defense. Nottingham Forest's Nikola Milenkovic will anchor the Serbian defense, presenting a formidable obstacle for England's attackers.
For Tuchel, this match is crucial in demonstrating his vision for the team. His early tenure has been marked by functional but uninspiring performances, raising questions about whether he can elevate England to a higher level. He needs to make a personal stamp on the side, with so far little sign of an upgrade on what Southgate was delivering when he reached successive Euros finals. The game against Serbia isn't just another qualifier; it's a crucial opportunity for Tuchel to showcase his ability to adapt and inspire his team in a challenging environment.
The England manager described this meeting with Serbia as "proof of concept" and it will certainly be a more accurate measure of the direction England are taking under Tuchel than knocking aside stubborn minnows such as Andorra, ranked 174th in the world.
Tuchel was predictably upbeat about the win against Andorra, even though thousands of fans inside Villa Park voted with their feet, leaving well before the end.
England currently leads their qualifying group K, five points ahead of Serbia, having played one more game. A victory in Belgrade would solidify their position at the top and significantly increase their chances of World Cup qualification. However, Serbia's coach, Dragan Stojkovic, expressed confidence in his team's ability to challenge England, setting the stage for a potentially tense and tightly contested match.
Even the tunnel has assumed legendary status - a two-minute, 240 metre walk from dressing rooms to the pitch. The tunnel is largely unchanged from when it was built in 1963, emerging from behind the goal where Red Star's 'ultras' congregate for club games. It is a nod to Red Star's illustrious history, when the stadium's capacity was 90,000 before seating reduced it to its current figure (51,755).
Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has three goals in qualifiers, would start against England, Stojkovic was guarded when asked whether former Fulham striker, would start against England. "We prepare for everything, we are in a very emotional sporting country - they have world class sportsmen, amazing talents in football and will have quality. We will face individual quality and a lot of emotion."
He added: "It is our first away game together in a traditional stadium. I think the occasion will bring out the best in us."
Ultimately, the game will serve as a vital barometer of England's progress under Tuchel. It will determine whether the team can handle the pressure and deliver a performance that reflects their World Cup ambitions.