High Five! England smash Serbia in stunning showdown
Watching England qualifiers has increasingly become like a visit to the dentist: slow, painful, probing, and only made better with the knowledge that you might get some long-term benefit. I have actually experienced both last week – a filling, and a visit to Villa Park to see England v Andorra in person.
A laborious 2-0 victory, accompanied by post-dental trauma, meant that I was looking forward to the match against Serbia with some trepidation. Indeed, it was billed as undoubtedly the toughest match of the group, with what many feared would be another lacklustre performance. However, while the lions lacked bite on Saturday, by Tuesday they were voracious for a victory. Fifteen points, five goals and one clear message later: England are back.
Kane headed in direct from a corner in classic centre forward fashion to set England on their way to a comfortable victory. In doing so, Kane scored his 74th goal for England, and proved once again that he is the go-to man when a goal is needed.
Thomas Tuchel’s side seem to be breaking the England curse
The second goal arrived shortly afterwards, as young star Elliott Anderson continued the impressive start to his international career. One of over 40 forward passes he delivered was followed by a sublime flick from Rogers to give Madueke his moment of magic. Even the normally curmudgeonly Roy Keane was fulsome in his praise for the Villa man’s contribution, comparing Rogers to the legendary Paul Gascoigne.
Just over a year ago, England lost their grasp on Euros glory to Spain in the 2024 final, an agonising reminder of the nation’s critical weakness on the world stage. England’s dull 1-0 win against Serbia in 2024 perhaps foreshadowed their fate in the competition, with Bellingham’s early header the only spark in what was a dismal display of football.
However, if Southgate’s team was plagued by caution, sitting deep, and a few lucky moments, then Thomas Tuchel’s side seem to be breaking the England curse. Against Serbia on Tuesday, the three lions built a dogmatic defence and an assertive attack, a stark contrast to the retreat tactics under Southgate.
Saturday offered us an alluring glimpse into what our trump-card could be in the USA
Further problems for the Serbs duly arrived. Milenkovic, the defensive rock at Nottingham Forest, was sent off for scything down Kane. Guehi fired the resulting free kick home from inside the six-yard box, Konsa added a fourth, and there was still time for Rashford to coolly slot home a penalty. In doing so, he became the first Barcelona player to score for England since Gary Lineker.
Despite fears that missing players – Bellingham, Trent and Saka – would leave the Lions vulnerable, England rose to the occasion. Three young talents scored their first international goals in an England shirt, bringing danger and depth to Belgrade. What’s certain is Saturday offered us an alluring glimpse into what our trump-card could be in the USA and what the World Cup could hold for England.
Sixty years of hurt finally over? Maybe.
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