Tuchel Faces Ultimate Test as England Take on Serbia in Belgrade

England Seek Clarity in Belgrade

Thomas Tuchel faces his toughest challenge yet as England travel to Serbia's Rajko Mitic Stadium in World Cup qualifying.

England have won all four qualifiers under Tuchel without conceding, but performances have lacked spark since he replaced Gareth Southgate after Euro 2024. A routine 2-0 victory over Andorra extended their perfect record, yet questions remain over identity and creativity.

A Hostile Arena

Tuchel’s side arrive in an intense atmosphere at the home of Red Star Belgrade. The stadium operates at 85 percent capacity after sanctions for fan misconduct, but even at reduced numbers the heat and hostile noise will test England’s mental strength.

Built in 1963, the stadium’s narrow tunnel runs 240 metres from the dressing rooms, emerging behind the ultras and creating a claustrophobic entrance for visiting teams.

Key Matchups

• England captain Harry Kane warns: “It will be even more hostile and they will try to make it as difficult as they can for us.”
• Serbia boast attacking threats in Dusan Vlahovic and former Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic.
• Nikola Milenkovic anchors Serbia’s defence, posing a physical challenge for England's forwards.

Currently five points clear at the top of Group K, England can all but seal qualification with a win. Meanwhile, host coach Dragan Stojkovic remains confident, even as he weighs up whether to start Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has three qualifying goals.

Tuchel's Blueprint

With seven matches left before squad selection, Tuchel describes this trip as a “proof of concept” for his evolving tactics. Despite criticism of cautious displays, he insists progress is clear: “I see what I see. I feel what I feel. I am convinced we will get better and better.”

The German is expected to retain a 4-4-1-1 shape with Harry Kane leading the line, although different formations remain possible. The Serbia fixture offers a rare away test in a traditional environment and the ideal opportunity for Tuchel to stamp his authority ahead of the World Cup.

Serbia in Belgrade will reveal whether Tuchel’s England are truly evolving ahead of the World Cup.

This topic was reported by BBC Sport.

Discover the latest news and current events in World News as of 09-09-2025. The article titled " Tuchel Faces Ultimate Test as England Take on Serbia in Belgrade " provides you with the most relevant and reliable information in the World News field. Each news piece is thoroughly analyzed to deliver valuable insights to our readers.

The information in " Tuchel Faces Ultimate Test as England Take on Serbia in Belgrade " helps you make better-informed decisions within the World News category. Our news articles are continuously updated and adhere to journalistic standards.