England delivered a commanding performance, securing a 5-0 victory against Serbia in a World Cup qualifier, signaling a potential turning point in Thomas Tuchel's tenure as England manager. The win, achieved in Belgrade, puts England in a strong position to qualify for the World Cup next summer, sitting seven points clear of second place with only three games remaining.

The match was a showcase of England's attacking prowess, with goals from Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, and Marcus Rashford. Notably, Madueke, Konsa, and Guehi all celebrated their first international goals. Kane's opening goal came from a header off a Declan Rice corner, marking his 74th goal for England. Madueke doubled the lead with a composed finish after a flick-on from Morgan Rogers. Konsa added the third after Serbia's goalkeeper Dorde Petrovic fumbled an attempt from Anthony Gordon. Guehi then tapped in from a Rice free-kick, and Rashford completed the scoring with a penalty.

Tuchel's tactical adjustments and team selection were vindicated as England displayed both discipline and dynamism. The win was not just about the scoreline, but also the manner in which England controlled the game and stifled Serbia's attacking threats. Tuchel highlighted the importance of clarity in the players' roles and praised their execution of the game plan. The result was a far cry from England's narrow 1-0 win against Serbia at Euro 2024.

Despite the positive result, the match was marred by some incidents. A laser pen was shone in Konsa's face, causing a brief pause in play. Additionally, riot police were deployed to address disturbances among the home fans, who were singing anti-government songs.

This victory provides a foundation for Tuchel's vision for the team, demonstrating their potential. The performance has instilled a sense of optimism among fans and suggests that England is making progress under Tuchel's leadership. Tuchel has emphasized that this level of performance should be the new standard for the team.