England will face Serbia at Wembley Stadium on November 13, 2025, in a crucial World Cup qualifier. The match marks the penultimate game for the Three Lions in their campaign to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup in North America. England has already clinched their position in the finals, achieving this milestone with two matches remaining after an impressive 5-0 victory against Latvia last month.
Throughout the qualifying round, England has demonstrated exceptional form, winning all six matches, scoring a total of 18 goals, and maintaining a clean sheet. This remarkable performance has not only solidified their standing in Group K but also provided players the opportunity to showcase their skills to head coach Thomas Tuchel ahead of the final squad selection for the World Cup.
The atmosphere at Wembley is expected to be charged, especially after Tuchel expressed dissatisfaction with the crowd’s energy during the previous match against Wales. Despite a strong start, the team struggled to maintain momentum, prompting playful chants from fans aimed at the coach. The home crowd will be eager to elevate their support as England looks to continue their winning streak.
Serbia arrives in London under new leadership, having appointed Veljko Paunovic, the former Reading and Real Oviedo manager, after the departure of Dragan Stojkovic. The Serbian team, which initially posed a challenge on paper, has faced difficulties in their qualifying campaign, currently sitting third in the group and battling for a play-off spot. They suffered a significant defeat to England in Belgrade earlier this season and also lost to Albania last month.
Kick-off for the match is set for 19:45 GMT, with live coverage available on ITV in the UK. Fans can also stream the match via the ITVX app and website. For those unable to watch, Standard Sport will provide a live blog featuring expert analysis from reporters Simon Collings and Dom Smith.
In terms of team news, England will be without defender Marc Guehi, who is anticipated to be replaced by Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah following a foot injury. Additionally, Newcastle players Nick Pope and Anthony Gordon will not participate due to concussion and hip issues, respectively. Midfielder Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden are among those returning to the squad, while Bournemouth’s Alex Scott receives his first senior call-up.
Despite some criticism regarding the team’s recent performances, England has shown a clinical edge with 13 goals scored across their last three matches. The players remain motivated to impress Tuchel, as the opportunity to secure a spot on the World Cup roster dwindles.
As for Serbia, the team is aiming for a fresh start under Paunovic, hoping for a much-needed boost in their campaign. With the pressure mounting in the race for a play-off position, this match presents a pivotal opportunity for them.
Historically, Serbia has struggled against England, having lost both encounters since becoming an independent nation, including a 5-0 defeat earlier this season and a narrow 1-0 loss during Euro 2024. The odds are in favor of England to secure another victory, with bookmakers offering 1/4 for an England win, while Serbia’s chances stand at 10/1.
With both teams facing unique challenges, the upcoming match promises to be an engaging encounter as England seeks to extend its flawless qualifying run and Serbia aims to reignite their campaign.
