Serbia lose to England 5-0 at the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Image: Getty Images.
(The Post News)– From the moment Thomas Tuchel arrived in Belgrade, he carried the assured presence of a manager who knew something special was about to unfold. It wasn’t arrogance but quiet conviction.
Despite criticism following England’s uninspiring 1-0 victory over Andorra on Saturday, a win that made it four competitive victories in a row but left thousands of fans streaming out of Villa Park before the final whistle, Tuchel remained unfazed.
He faced tough questions about his tactics and team selection, especially after such a flat performance. But Tuchel responded with calm belief: “I trust what I see. I trust what I feel. I’m confident we’ll improve and then keep getting better.” His words ahead of the Serbia clash sounded less like hopeful optimism and more like a forecast he fully expected to come true.
Thomas Tuchel Silences Doubters.
On Tuesday night, Tuchel delivered exactly what he promised and much more. England dismantled Serbia 5-0 in their own intimidating fortress in Belgrade. From the opening whistle, England seized control and never let go. The expected hostility from the Serbian crowd faded into silence as Tuchel’s side dominated every phase of the game with confidence and class.
The result did more than put England within five points of World Cup qualification with three games left. It also gave Tuchel something every manager craves: genuine selection dilemmas born out of excellent performances from his squad’s depth players.
Most notably, England finally showed the attacking flair that had been missing in recent matches. And they did it without several of their biggest names. Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, widely seen as automatic starters, were both unavailable. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Manchester City’s Phil Foden were also absent, Foden still fighting to reclaim his international status through strong club form.
In their place, others stepped up with remarkable maturity and confidence. Noni Madueke led the charge, scoring a goal and delivering a performance full of creativity and intent. With five goal contributions in just nine appearances, the young forward is quickly building a case for more regular inclusion in the starting XI.
Elliott Anderson continued to build on the positive impression he made during his debut against Andorra. The Newcastle midfielder showed energy, vision, and composure traits Tuchel clearly values in his evolving setup. Anderson didn’t just fill a gap; he enhanced England’s midfield with smart movement and quick decision-making.
Then there was Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, who looked increasingly comfortable as the game progressed. He displayed poise and maturity beyond his years, proving he can handle the pressures of elite-level international football. His chemistry with teammates and ability to read the game made a noticeable impact.
Although Jude Bellingham remains the natural fit for England’s number 10 role, Rogers made a strong case for consideration. His performance didn’t just offer cover; it offered Tuchel a real alternative. With these young talents making their mark, Tuchel now faces welcome headaches when selecting his strongest XI for the remaining qualifiers.
Tuchel’s vision for this England side is beginning to take shape. The team not only showed attacking flair but also discipline, unity, and adaptability, qualities essential for tournament success. After months of questions surrounding his leadership and England’s tactical direction, Tuchel now has a signature performance to point to.
In Belgrade, he didn’t just win a football match. He earned breathing room, silenced critics, and opened the door to a deeper, more competitive England squad than many thought possible. With qualification nearly secured and new stars rising, Tuchel has every reason to believe this is just the beginning.
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