Europe WC 2026 Qualifications Europe, 7-9 September

[spkutano]

 

[spkutano]

Serbia vs England Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Serbia:
Petrovic; Milenkovic, Erakovic, Pavlovic; Zivkovic, Gudelj, Maksimovic, Samardzic, Terzic; Mitrovic, Vlahovic

England:
Pickford; James, Guehi, Konsa, Lewis-Skelly; Anderson, Rice; Madueke, Rogers, Gordon; Kane

Serbia will host England at Stadium Rajko Mitic in Belgrade in the qualifications for 2026 World Cup. The Three Lions are leaders in Group K with 12 points from four matches. Serbia sit second on the table with seven points, but have a match in hand. That is why this match is very important for both teams. England are favorites, but Serbia are unbeaten so far. Coach Dragan Stojkovic Piksi has the majority of his players ready and this fact should not be underestimated. The home advantage too. Led by the likes of Dusan Vlahovic and Aleksandar Mitrovic, Serbia will look to use their physicality and direct style of play to upset the English defense. The Eagles can be dangerous on set pieces and in transition. Few days ago Serbia beat Latvia and the atmosphere in the squad is good. Stojkovis is surely satisfied with the victory, but there will be changes to the starting side on Tuesday, with Mitrovic in line for a return in the attack. He is the national team's all-time leading scorer with 62 goals and his Premier League experience could be crucial. Nemanja Gudelj and Nemanja Maksimovic should be introduced in the midfield.

As I wrote above, England are leaders in Group K with 12 points from four matches. Coach Thomas Tuchel could be satisfy with the situation, but there is no space for any relaxation. So far his team beat Andorra twice (home and away), Latvia and Albania (both at home). What is important to mention, England are yet to concede. But they should travel to Serbia and Albania in the next period, so it will be difficult to remain such a good record. On Saturday they beat Andorra 2:0. Three points are the only thing that matter, while the poor performance against side positioned as 174th at FIFA ranking will be forgotten. An own goal from Christian Garcia gave England a lead, while Declan Rice netted the second. The fans left the stadium with mixed feelings. They know England should have no problems qualifying for the World Cup, but at the same time they are class bellow the likes of Spain, France and Brazil. Tuchel has no new injury or suspension worries, but some changes are possible, particularly in the final third. Rashford and Eze failed to impress against Andorra, so Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers could start in Belgrade.

Serbia vs England Prediction:

Lot of frustrations for the Serbian fans these days. Novak Djokovic and the Basketball team had disappointing campaigns and I don't think football will be an exception. According to me, England are closer to the victory here. I am well aware of the fact they didn't impress against Andorra, but there is a reason. It is very hard for the players to find a proper motivation against opponents like Andorra. And this is not a rare situation, for example Croatia won 1:0 against Faroe Islands, while Bosnia won 1:0 against San Marino. But this match is a different story, the presence of 65.000 fans at the Stadium Rajko Mitic in Belgrade will definitely motivate the players of both teams. In that case, the quality is on England side. Serbian key players are far from their best form. Vlahovic is not a regular in Juventus, as well as Kostic. Captain Mitrovic play in semi-professional league in Saudi Arabia. On contrary, Harry Kane is in good form, he already scored 11 this season. I think he is a player that could make difference. Rice, Gordon and Madueke should secure a supremacy, but don't forget each of them is able to score.

Serbia vs England Pick: England to win @ 1.78 with Pinnacle