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Football Insider

England's World Cup Hopes Reignited: Winners and Losers from Three Lions' Resurgent Performance in Serbia

England's electric display in Belgrade under Thomas Tuchel sparks hope for a triumphant World Cup campaign. Discover the standout performers and overlooked aspects of the game.

England's World Cup Hopes Reignited: Winners and Losers from Three Lions' Resurgent Performance in Serbia

The German coach and his players put their mediocre recent displays against minnows behind them with a top-level performance in BelgradeEngland finally located their mojo on Tuesday in Belgrade, and Serbia didn't know what had hit them. In case they were wondering, it was five goals, from five different scorers, and the sound they could hear was that of Thomas Tuchel's side finally taking to the skies after several false starts, heading right for the 2026 World Cup, their mission to go all the way in North America back on track.The Three Lions' performance proved that England are not just a squad of incredibly talented and famous individuals, as you might have been forgiven for thinking after their dour win over Andorra and their previous four outings under Tuchel. They can also be remarkably effective when they work together, as they did for the slick second goal scored by Noni Madueke."Teamwork in its purest form" is how Tuchel described the performance, emphasising the achievement of limiting their hosts to zero shots on target and praising the intensity his players showed throughout. The German also had a pointed message to the doubters, both in the fanbase and in the media: "I’m just glad for the players that they could show to the fans and to you guys what they’re capable of."England will face much tougher teams than Serbia on their path towards their ultimate aim of winning the World Cup next summer, and the manner of this victory, as satisfying as it was, should not lead to talk of Tuchel 'bringing it home' just yet. It was reassuring, though, to see England rise to the occasion and remind everyone, not least themselves, of how good they can be.GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from the Rajko Mitic Stadium...

1

The Resurgence of Three Lions' Mojo

England's lackluster recent performances were overshadowed by a dominant showing in Belgrade. Thomas Tuchel's tactical prowess and the players' unified effort reignited the team's potential for success.

2

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Noni Madueke's goal symbolized the team's synergy and unity on the field. Despite individual talent, England's strength lies in their collective effort, showcased by their impeccable defensive display against Serbia.

3

Tuchel's Message to Doubters

Thomas Tuchel's response to skepticism highlighted the players' capabilities and resilience. The emphatic victory silenced critics and instilled confidence in England's ability to compete at the highest level.

4

Caution Amidst Triumph

While England's triumph in Serbia was a significant step forward, challenging opponents lie ahead on their quest for World Cup glory. Maintaining perspective and focus will be crucial for sustaining their winning momentum.

5

Breaking Down the Performance

Discover the standout performers and areas of improvement from England's impressive win in Belgrade. Analysis of key moments and tactical nuances provides insight into the team's evolving potential.

Published on September 10, 2025