Neither Serbia nor England were entirely impressive winners on Saturday, so both are searching for a performance as well as points in this World Cup qualifier (WCQ).
Match News and Current Form
Serbia made hard work of it but moved into a clear second place in Group K by beating Latvia 1-0 to continue their fine start to this WCQ campaign (W2, D1). With the Eagles now unbeaten in their last seven internationals (W3, D4), they’re in good form as they prepare for their toughest assignment of the campaign so far, and Dragan Stojković’s side are a match for anyone in their own country given they have not lost a WCQ home game since October 2012 (W9, D4). That sequence notably included draws with Croatia and Portugal, while they also drew with Denmark and Spain at home during the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League.
Like their hosts, group leaders England are yet to concede during this qualifying cycle (W4), although their defence was barely threatened during Saturday’s underwhelming 2-0 win over Andorra at Villa Park. Elliot Anderson’s impressive debut in midfield was one of very few positives as the Three Lions laboured to a sixth straight WCQ win, all of them accompanied by a clean sheet, yet history suggests they’ll cope with the hostile atmosphere they can expect here as they’re unbeaten across their last 16 WCQ away games (W10, D6).
Head-to-Head History
England won the only previous H2H meeting when a Jude Bellingham header saw them triumph 1-0 at Euro 2024 in Germany.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Three of Serbia’s last four goals arrived between the tenth and 25th minute (two of them in the 12th).
Serbia haven’t conceded a goal at home since November 2023.
England haven’t conceded in any of their last six competitive internationals (W6).
England have opened the scoring in each of their last nine WCQ away fixtures.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Along with England’s Harry Kane, Serbia’s Aleksandar Mitrović is this group’s joint-top scorer with three goals, and Serbia won the last five internationals in which he scored. After completing the scoring against Andorra, Declan Rice has two goal contributions across his last three games for club and country (G1, A1) and he also assisted England’s second goal against Latvia in March.
John Stones was released from England’s camp on Friday due to a muscle problem, while Serbia appear to have no new injury concerns, so are close to full strength with Mitrović back.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
England are still waiting to ignite under Thomas Tuchel while Serbia are hard to beat at home, so backing England to win and under 2.5 goals is our tip.
Author: John Pennington