England maintained their perfect record in World Cup qualifying as they made it five wins in a row against an obdurate Serbia on a rainy night at Wembley. Goals from Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze in either half were enough for the three points. The Three Lions now have seven victories from seven in Group K having already booked their spot at next summer’s tournament before this match.

Despite having qualification confirmed, Thomas Tuchel named a strong side against the Serbians as England continue to build momentum under the German coach. Express Sport rates and slates the England players after another win and another clean sheet…

England player ratings vs Serbia

Jordan Pickford – 6

Sparked a brief scare by going down with a muscle complaint in the first half but played on to keep a 10th straight clean sheet. Only really called into action in the final 10 minutes.

Reece James – 7

A great cross for a Morgan Rogers chance and just a very dependable presence at right-back.

Ezri Konsa – 7

Continued to make his case that he should start at the World Cup by keeping Dusan Vlahovic quiet and barely misplaced a pass.

John Stones – 7

Hasn’t conceded a goal in an England shirt since October 2024 and has a good partnership with Ezri Konsa.

Nico O’Reilly – 7

His blocked low drive helped lead to Saka’s opener and linked up nicely with Marcus Rashford. The Man City man didn’t look out of place defensively on his debut.

Elliot Anderson – 7

Another performance in which he was smart with the ball and smart off it. More passes than anyone else on the pitch and right now is making himself a surefire starter in the USA next summer.

Declan Rice – 7

Brilliant with the ball, completing 97 per cent of his passes, and so much of what this England side does well runs through him. Nobody completed more key passes.

Bukayo Saka – 8

Brilliantly controlled side-foot volley to make it 1-0 with his 14th goal for England and just a class act throughout. Arsenal might not be delighted he played the full 90 but that suggests he won’t play more than 45 against Albania.

Morgan Rogers – 6

Glanced James’ cross just wide with a header but otherwise a little quiet first half. Involved in a nice passage of pass-and-move play second half before going off.

Marcus Rashford – 6

Nice and direct as he enjoyed going directly at his defender but fired three tame shots straight at the keeper. Was at least a constant threat. Went off with a knock.

Harry Kane – 6

Played some brilliant passes but wasted a good headed chance before half-time he’ll feel he should have scored. That was his only real scoring opportunity but he pulled off a cracking second half sliding tackle on the edge of his own box.

Substitutes

Eberechi Eze (Rashford 65) – 7

Acrobatic late effort was saved and bounced off the crossbar and then curled a brilliant effort into the far top corner.

Jude Bellingham (Rogers 65) – 6

A first England appearance since June’s loss to Senegal. Overhit one pass that could have set up a Saka chance and then vital in the move that led to the second.

Phil Foden (Kane 65) – 7

Played as a false nine after Kane’s withdrawal. Should have scored with a header but then assisted Eze’s goal.

Jordan Henderson (Rice 65) – 6

Took the captain’s armband off Kane and an 88th cap for the veteran. Should have capped it with an assist but Foden headed wide.

Adam Wharton (Anderson 85) – N/A

A late introduction.