2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying: England vs Serbia

England host Serbia in their penultimate 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Group K clash. 

England are already assured of automatic qualification and top spot in their group, whilst Serbia must at least draw to keep their World Cup Play-Off qualification dreams alive.

 

Team News

England will be without Anthony Gordon (hip) and Nick Pope (concussion), with Trevoh Chalobah and James Trafford called up as their replacements.

Marc Guehi is unlikely to be involved in the squad due to a foot injury which saw him miss Crystal Palace’s goalless draw against Brighton in the Premier League, although he had reported to the camp earlier this week.

Serbia have no fresh injury concerns to report with a full squad available for selection.

 

When is Kick-Off?

England host Serbia at Wembley Stadium on Thursday 13 November at 7:45pm GMT, live on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player in UK.

 

Stat Attack

• England won 5-0 in their only previous World Cup qualifier against Serbia in September.
• Serbia are making their first ever away trip to England in all competitions.
• England have scored six goals without conceding against Serbia in two previous meetings across all competitions (W2).
• Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions are yet to concede in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying group, having scored 18 goals in six matches (W6).
• Serbia have conceded seven goals and scored three goals in their last three matches (W1, L2).

 

Prediction

With automatic qualification now wrapped up, this is a great immediate test for England as it gives Thomas Tuchel a chance to experiment against decent opposition but they will want to keep momentum up and protect their clean sheet record in this campaign and specifically against Serbia.

Serbia meanwhile do feel bit of an unknown given that this is their first match under Veljko Paunovic because they do have a strong squad but this is a period of adaption in a must-win game, whilst they will have memories of their ruthless home loss in this fixture two months ago.

Although Tuchel will probably tinker with his line-up and tactics with no pressure on his team, I do expect England to produce another win because they do seem to have form and momentum which will suit them as all the pressure is on Serbia which could play into their hands.

Prediction: England 2-0 Serbia

Result: England 2-0 Serbia