FIFA World Cup Qualifier: England must ‘prove a point’ in the Serbia test, says Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel challenged England to «prove a point» against Serbia in the crucial world cup qualification next week after his side worked for a 2-0 win over Minnows Andorra on Saturday.

The first half of the first half of Christian Garcia in Villa Park was followed by the header of Declan Rice after the interval when the K-leaders group made four consecutive qualifying victories.

But while England remains on course for next year’s World Cup, this was again an overwhelming display that raised questions about Tuchel’s ability to produce a trophy-winning team of a gifted generation.

England was efficient but unpectacular, without deception and intelligence in the last third part. Tuchel wants a more targeted performance on Tuesday in the most difficult test of his reign when England is confronted with his main group K Rival Serbia in Belgrade.

«We will try to prove a point, to win and to release the next performance and be tough in the circumstances,» he said.

“We expect a very emotional stadium, we expect an emotional audience. We may expect, yes, to adapt to the circumstances. We don’t know what the field looks like. Don’t apologize. Then we come across a very physical team. They will attack us in a man-to-man situation. This is what we see so far.

«They have high quality in advance, so they play very directly, and we have to step on it and adapt to the circumstances. Then prove the point that we are a strong group, and we are in the right way.»

Clockwise that taps the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, Tuchel is under pressure to build a team with a clear identity and purpose feeling.

The proof of his matte fifth game that is in charge suggested that the German is an only way to achieve that goal. Despite the whimsical form of England since his appointment, Tuchel is convinced that his team is making progress.

Read also | Not impressive England beats Andorra 2-0 to go the top of group K

«Two days to prepare for Tuesday and hopefully also the point to prove that we are ready for that, adapt to what is coming, accepting the physicality, overcome the adversity and achieve another victory,» he said.

“In general there are much more positive things than the negatives today. I think it was a good step, tried to constantly accelerate the game. Of course we had to give everything to the game and play against a deep block.

«There are still things to improve, but the direction was the right direction after the four days of training. It was a good performance, a deserved result.»

One of the most important positives for Tuchel was the implementation of Nottingham Forest -midfielder Elliot Anderson, who made an impression on a composite display on his debut.

«He has physicality, he is a very mobile six,» said Tuchel. “He has the body, he likes to defend, he likes to put his body in to win duels. It was a pleasure to see.

«It was a bit of a nervous start of the week, which is also nice – that not everything is normal for the boys, that they are still nervous to come to the camp and are not afraid to admit it.»

Published on 07 September 2025