Neither Serbia nor England were at their sparkling best over the weekend, so both sides will be looking to deliver not just three points but also a statement performance when they meet in Belgrade for this World Cup qualifier. For Serbia, it’s a chance to show they can trouble one of Europe’s giants on home soil, while England know this is their toughest test of the campaign so far.
The Eagles edged Latvia 1-0 last time out, a result that kept them unbeaten in seven matches and sitting comfortably in second place in Group K. Their resilience at home is especially impressive , Serbia haven’t lost a World Cup qualifier in Belgrade since October 2012, a run that has seen them frustrate the likes of Croatia, Portugal, Denmark, and Spain. That’s the kind of record that makes Stojković’s men believe they can use to best England .
Confirmed Lineup of Serbia to face England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying posted via the team’s official X handle, see below;
England, meanwhile, were solid but far from convincing in their 2-0 win over Andorra at Villa Park. The clean sheet extended their run to six in a row without conceding, which highlights their defensive stability, but the performance was below par. Gareth Southgate’s side have still been ruthlessly efficient in World Cup qualifying though, winning six straight games with a perfect defensive record. With memories of Jude Bellingham’s winner against Serbia at Euro 2024 still fresh, the Three Lions know they can grind out results against stubborn opponents.
The big question for Southgate is whether England can find their attacking rhythm in the cauldron atmosphere of Belgrade. Harry Kane remains the main man up front, but there’ll also be eyes on Declan Rice, who has quietly added more goals and assists to his game lately. Serbia will of course look to talisman Aleksandar Mitrović, the joint-top scorer in the group, who often turns up big in games like this. If he gets support, England’s backline could be in for a long night.
Confirmed Line up of England to face Serbia at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying posted via the team’s official X handle, see below;
