All eyes are on Belgrade as England prepare to face Serbia in a highly anticipated World Cup qualifier at the Rajko Mitic Stadium. The match, set for Tuesday, September 9, 2025, is widely regarded as the sternest test yet of Thomas Tuchel’s reign as England manager. With both sides boasting impressive credentials and passionate fanbases, the stakes couldn’t be higher as Group K’s top contenders collide under the floodlights.
Serbia enter the clash in formidable form, having collected seven points from their opening three matches. Their campaign began with a tense 0-0 draw against Albania, but Dragan Stojković’s men soon found their rhythm. A commanding 3-0 victory over Andorra showcased their attacking prowess, while a gritty 1-0 win on the road against Latvia solidified their credentials as group frontrunners. The Serbian squad brims with talent from Europe’s top leagues, including Bournemouth’s Đorđe Petrović between the sticks, Nottingham Forest’s Nikola Milenković anchoring the defense, and Fulham’s Saša Lukić orchestrating the midfield.
England, meanwhile, have set a blistering pace in Group K. The Three Lions have won all four of their qualifiers so far, dispatching Albania and Latvia with identical 2-0 scorelines before grinding out a narrow 1-0 victory over Andorra. Their most recent outing—a professional 2-0 win against Andorra—kept them atop the group and full of confidence ahead of their trip to Belgrade. With Tuchel at the helm since the summer, England have combined defensive solidity with clinical finishing, making them the team to beat in the group.
Tuchel, who took charge after England’s previous campaign, faces the dual challenge of steering his team safely through qualification while assessing his options ahead of next summer’s tournament in North America. The manager’s balancing act has been the subject of much discussion among pundits and fans alike. Speaking at a news conference on September 8, Tuchel appeared focused and upbeat, sharing the stage with star striker Harry Kane. The duo addressed the media just hours before the main Serbia vs England match page was set to go live at 18:15 BST, signaling the anticipation surrounding the fixture.
Serbia’s preparations have been meticulous, with Stojković expected to shuffle his lineup to maximize their attacking threat. The headline change is the likely return of Aleksandar Mitrović, the nation’s all-time leading scorer with 62 goals. Mitrović, fresh from a rest in the previous match, is set to replace Luka Jović and partner with Juventus forward Dušan Vlahović in a strike force designed to test England’s backline. Experienced campaigners Nemanja Gudelj and Nemanja Maksimović are tipped to reclaim their places in midfield, adding grit and composure in the engine room. At the heart of defense, vice-captain Nikola Milenković is expected to slot straight back into the starting eleven, bringing leadership and steel to the Serbian rearguard.
For England, squad rotation could see a few fresh faces in the starting lineup. Although the team emerged unscathed from their routine win over Andorra, Tuchel may opt to inject more energy into the wide areas. Marcus Rashford and Eberechi Eze struggled to make a decisive impact in the final third, opening the door for Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers to stake their claims. At the back, Ezri Konsa is pushing for a recall and could get the nod over Dan Burn, while Elliot Anderson’s lively display against Andorra has put him firmly in contention for another start in midfield.
The tactical battle will be fascinating. Serbia’s physical forwards—Mitrović, Jović, and Vlahović—are renowned for their aerial prowess and ability to bully defenders. England’s rearguard, led by Tuchel’s disciplined approach, will need to be at their sharpest to keep the hosts at bay. The midfield tussle promises fireworks as well, with Gudelj and Maksimović’s experience up against England’s youthful dynamism.
Fans in the United States can catch all the action live via Fubo and ViX streaming services, with kickoff at 11:45 am PT / 2:45 pm ET. In the United Kingdom, ITV1 will broadcast live coverage from 7 pm, with streaming available on ITVX. For those preferring radio commentary, BBC Radio 5 Live and talkSPORT are providing live audio coverage, ensuring supporters won’t miss a moment wherever they are.
The buzz in Belgrade is palpable. Serbia’s home advantage is expected to play a significant role, with the Rajko Mitic Stadium renowned for its intimidating atmosphere. England’s players will need to keep their composure amid the noise and passion of the local crowd. The fixture has also drawn the attention of bookmakers, with bet365 offering odds of 4/1 for a Serbia win, 14/5 for a draw, and 4/6 for an England victory. A special bet boost is available for those backing England to win with Harry Kane registering two or more shots on target and Anthony Gordon firing at least once on goal.
Beyond the immediate implications for Group K, this match could serve as a litmus test for both managers. For Stojković, it’s a chance to prove that Serbia can compete with Europe’s elite and secure a coveted place at the 2026 World Cup. For Tuchel, the encounter represents an opportunity to stamp his authority on the England job and showcase his tactical acumen on the international stage.
BBC Sport has committed to running continuous coverage and reaction throughout the day, with further analysis and build-up to the next round of internationals. The excitement is building, and fans are bracing themselves for what promises to be a captivating contest between two ambitious footballing nations.
As the teams finalize their preparations and supporters flock to the stadium, one thing is certain: Serbia vs England is shaping up to be a defining moment in the World Cup qualification campaign. With so much talent on display, tactical intrigue, and group supremacy at stake, football fans are in for a treat. The action is about to get underway, and the world will be watching.
