When Thomas Tuchel summoned Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Eberechi Eze from the bench, it served as a vivid reminder of England’s extraordinary depth. Yet one key figure remained untouched throughout the 2-0 victory over Serbia: Bukayo Saka.
While Tuchel’s “finishers” injected fresh energy—culminating in Eze’s brilliant late strike—Saka stayed on for the full 90 minutes, underlining his irreplaceable role in England’s World Cup plans.
The Arsenal star opened the scoring with a superb goal, his 14th in 47 appearances, reaffirming his status as one of Tuchel’s most trusted players.
With England already qualified, debate has intensified around the No. 10 role, where Morgan Rogers and Bellingham are vying for supremacy, and whether Foden can force his way in. But Saka’s place is unquestioned—only injury could keep him out of England’s World Cup starting XI.
Harry Kane, too, remains an untouchable figure. His relentless work rate was on display with a crunching defensive tackle, and though he didn’t score, Saka and Eze delivered the decisive goals. For Tuchel, that balance was another major positive.
Tuchel praised the bench impact: “We brought on quality players and they wanted to show what they could do. You could see the impact and it has to stay like this.” He emphasised unity over ego, stressing that England’s World Cup strength lies not just in a starting XI, but in a complete squad.
The Serbia match offered insight into England’s unresolved questions: left-back, central defence, the No. 10 role and the left flank. But it also showcased the talent pool that fuels Tuchel’s confidence heading into next summer’s tournament.
Rogers justified Tuchel’s decision to start him over Bellingham with an energetic display, while Bellingham impressed in his late cameo, helping set up Eze’s goal.
Foden, too, made a compelling case with a lively spell through the middle, creating chances and linking play.
Kane’s position is unquestioned, but Foden appears firmly in Tuchel’s thinking as an auxiliary option. “He is full of confidence,” Tuchel said. “His movements are a joy to watch.”
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who earned his 10th straight clean sheet in World Cup qualifying, echoed the sentiment, praising the squad’s variety and strength in depth.
Debutant Nico O’Reilly impressed at left-back, while Ezri Konsa continued to strengthen his claim for a central defensive spot. On the left wing, Marcus Rashford faces fierce competition from the likes of Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke once fit.
England now move on to Tirana to face Albania on Sunday—another key audition in the battle for World Cup places, with the stakes rising and the competition intensifying.
