Saka Shines as England Extend Their Perfect Qualification Run
When Thomas Tuchel unleashed a wave of high-calibre substitutes to underline England’s incredible squad depth, one player remained firmly in place: Bukayo Saka, a key piece of the coach’s World Cup blueprint.
With Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Eberechi Eze entering as Tuchel’s energetic “finishers” in the 65th minute, England wrapped up a 2-0 win over Serbia—extending their flawless seven-match qualifying streak. Eze sealed the victory with a brilliant late strike, but it was Saka who set the tone with a stunning opener and a complete 90-minute performance.
Despite ongoing debates over England’s No. 10 role—whether Morgan Rogers continues or Bellingham returns—Tuchel has zero doubts about Saka’s starting position. The 24-year-old now has 14 international goals in 47 games, making him Arsenal’s all-time leading England scorer.
As one source around the team put it:
“Only injury can keep Saka out of England’s first World Cup fixture.”
Saka’s consistency, work rate and threat make him, along with Harry Kane, one of Tuchel’s most reliable on-field generals heading into next summer’s World Cup.
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Kane showed his trademark hunger with defensive graft as well as forward play, reaffirming his role as England’s talisman with 76 goals in 111 games. But Tuchel will be delighted that goals came from other areas of the pitch, especially through Saka and Eze.
With positions still up for grabs—left-back, central defence, the No. 10 role and the left-wing spot—the Serbia match offered clarity as well as competition. Rogers kept his place ahead of Bellingham, rewarding Tuchel’s faith with a lively, confident display.
Bellingham, greeted by a huge Wembley roar when he finally entered the pitch, tried hard to make a statement. His link-up with Foden in the final minute helped set up Eze’s beautiful curling finish.
Tuchel praised the substitutes, saying:
“It’s not about selecting an eleven—it’s about building a team.”
Foden impressed with a sharp, dangerous cameo, pushing centrally and creating multiple chances. Tuchel openly acknowledged his growing influence, even if Kane remains immovable as the main striker.
At the back, Jordan Pickford extended his record run with a 10th straight clean sheet in World Cup qualifying. Nico O’Reilly delivered a composed debut at left-back, while Ezri Konsa continued making his case as a strong competitor for a centre-back role.
On the left wing, Marcus Rashford faces competition from Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke once they return to fitness. Rashford showed flashes of brilliance but must sharpen his end product to hold onto his spot.
England now shift focus to their next qualifier in Tirana against Albania—where the fight for World Cup places will continue with intensity.
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