England host Serbia in their penultimate World Cup 2026 qualifier this evening secure in the knowledge that they have already booked their place in next summer’s tournament – but Thomas Tuchel still has plenty of selection dilemmas to solve.
Beating Latvia in last month’s qualifiers ensured that England will finish top of Group K. Now the England boss has just two camps left before the tournament begins and he will want to determine which players are guaranteed a spot on the plane to Mexico, Canada and the United States.
Recalls for Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden will give Tuchel plenty to ponder over the next two games with a plethora of strong options needing to be whittled down – but both start on the bench tonight. Yet for Serbia a positive result tonight is paramount. They are vying for second place in the Group and will to improve against an England side that defeated them 5-0 in their last meeting.
Follow all the latest updates from the World Cup qualifier with our live blog below:
England 0-0 Serbia
More good play from Kane as he drops deep before sweeping it to Saka, who once again cuts inside to find the yard before seeing his shot blocked. England come again though, winning a free-kick on the wing.
England 0-0 Serbia
Pickford carries on for now.
Moments later, England have their first real chance as Rashford dummies to allow the ball to run to Rice, who made a good overlapping run. He returns the ball to Rashford in the box, before the winger hits his curled effort too close to Rajkovic.
‘Tuchel getting animated’
Lawrence Ostlere at Wembley:
As Pickford is treated, Thomas Tuchel is using the break in play to give a pretty animated teamtalk – he doens’t look very happy with the first 20 minutes here. He gives some direct words to Rogers in particular, while Konsa and James also get some very clear instructions.
England 0-0 Serbia
Better from England, with Saka now trying to find Rogers in the box with a cut-back before settling for a corner.
The delivery from Rice is a disappointing one though.
There’s a worry for England now too, with Jordan Pickford down and requiring treatment.
England 0-0 Serbia
Half a chance for Saka now after some great play from Kane, who held it up well before curling a pass across to the Arsenal winger.
Saka cuts back inside as he looks to curl one into the far corner, but it flies over.
England 0-0 Serbia
Serbia have their first chance to deliver a long throw, but it comes to nothing.
It’s all a bit flat at Wembley, where the rain continues to pour down.
England 0-0 Serbia
Serbia are yet to threaten England so far but the Three Lions still haven’t got complete control in this one. It’s been very stop-start.
Filip Kostic is the latest Serbia player to spend time on the floor after a challenge.
England 0-0 Serbia
England have their first meaningful attack as Rogers exchanges passes with Saka before spreading it wide to Rashford. The Barcelona winger cuts in before returning it to Reece James, before Rogers eventually sees his cross cleared behind.
England 0-0 Serbia
Serbia are clearly looking to pack midfield tonight, hoping to cut off the passing lanes for England.
Rashford tries to take matters into his own hands, beating one man on the wing before the covering defender clears.
England 0-0 Serbia
An early sight of goal for Vlahovic as he races through onto the long ball in the box, but Konsa is there to cover at the expense of a corner.
The Villa defender is there again to head the first set-piece behind, before the hosts clear the following delivery.
