England head to Serbia on September 9 for a potentially vital 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Thomas Tuchel’s side made it four wins from four qualifiers over the weekend as they edged out a 2-0 victory over Andorra at Villa Park.
Despite maintaining a 100% record in qualifiers under the German coach, the team have come in for criticism following another lacklustre display against a minnow.
This trip to Belgrade could decide who finishes top of of Group K with Serbia unbeaten in their three qualifiers in 2025.
Dragan Stojkovic’s team started qualification later than England, but they sit in second place, with seven points from three games.
MORE: Updated list of teams qualified for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Serbia vs. England lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, rosters
Captain Aleksandar Mitrovic remains the focal point of Serbia’s attack and scored a hat-trick in their June 3-0 win over Andorra.
He will start up front alongside Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic, who netted a winner in Latvia last weekend, and the hosts have plenty of top-level European experience in their ranks.
Filip Kostic, Sasa Lukic and Strahinja Pavlovic will all likely start against England.
Serbia predicted starting lineup (3-5-2, right to left): Petrovic (GK) — Pavlovic, Milenkovic, Veljkovic — Zivkovic, Kostic, Lukic, Illic, Katai — Mitrovic, Vlahovic
Serbia full roster
Goalkeepers: Dorde Petrovic, Dragan Rosic, Veljko Ilic
Defenders: Nikola Milenkovic, Strahinja Pavlovic, Milos Veljkovic, Strahinja Erakovic, Aleksa Terzic, Srdan Babic, Kosta Nedeljkovic, Nemanja Stojic
Midfielders: Nemanja Gudelj, Filip Kostic, Saka Lukic, Nemanja Maksimovic, Andrija Zivkovic, Ivan Ilic, Lazar Samardzic, Uros Racic, Veljko Birmancevic, Aleksandar Katai, Ognjen Ugresic
Forwards: Aleksandar Mitrovic, Dusan Vlahovic, Luka Jovic, Nikola Stulic.
Tuchel named a strong side to start against Andorra, but he will potentially shuffle the pack for this game, with likely changes in midfield and attack.
Jordan Henderson could partner Declan Rice at the base of the midfield to allow the latter to push forward more.
West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen is pushing for a start with Tuchel expected to rotate out either Noni Madueke or Marcus Rashford.
Harry Kane will start the match and Marc Guehi is also expected to be in the XI despite suffering a minor injury against Andorra.
England predicted starting lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Pickford (GK) — James, Guehi, Burn, Lewis-Skelly — Henderson, Rice — Madueke, Eze, Bowen — Kane
England full roster
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, James Trafford, Dean Henderson
Defenders: Marc Guehi, Reece James, Ezri Konza, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento, Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence
Midfielders: Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Morgan Rogers, Elliot Anderson
Forwards: Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Ollie Watkins, Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke.
Serbia vs. England match details
- Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
- Kickoff time: 8:45 p.m. local / 2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT / 4:45 a.m. AEST (Sep. 10)
- Location: Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade (Serbia)
- Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
- Referee: Clement Turpin (FRA)
