Serbia – England: Serbia Steamrolled by England (0-5)

England earned an easy victory in this World Cup Qualifier, enjoying full control throughout the game. Their right-sided dynamics showed promise in their 4-3-3 system, and they took their chances from set-pieces to run up a 5-0 scoreline in the end.

Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

England traveled to Serbia for the fifth World Cup Qualification matchday. They went into the game top of the group without having conceded a goal, while Serbia were trying to put themselves in contention for second place in the group.

The home side started in a 3-4-3 shape with Strahinja Eraković, Nikola Milenković, and Strahinja Pavlović in the back three. Kosta Nedeljković and Veljko Birmančević were the wing-backs, with Nemanja Maksimović and Saša Lukić partnering in central midfield. Andrija Živković and Ivan Ilić then supported Dušan Vlahović up front.

Thomas Tuchel's England meanwhile lined up in a 4-3-3 shape, with Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi, and Tino Livramento in the back four. Elliot Anderson was the deepest midfielder, with Declan Rice and Morgan Rogers ahead of him. Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon then flanked Harry Kane in the forward line.

England's right-sided attack

Tuchel's side were dominant in this game from the start, able to gain relatively easy control of possession against Serbia's passive 5-4-1 mid to low block against the ball, with England's center-backs able to bring the ball out without too much pressure. Much of England's attack flowed down the right side, where . . .