England maintains perfect start to World Cup qualifying with win over Serbia
Thomas Tuchel expressed disappointment with England’s pressing performance in the second half, despite the team securing a 2-0 victory over Serbia at Wembley, thereby maintaining their 100 per cent record in World Cup qualifying, reports BritPanorama.
Goals from Arsenal players Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze ensured the win for the hosts on a rainy evening in London. Saka opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a well-taken volley, followed by Eze’s late goal, which solidified England’s position as they prepare for a match against Albania on Sunday.
Tuchel acknowledged the positives from the match but highlighted that his team needed to improve their pressing strategy in the second half, a factor that required them to work harder defensively to maintain their clean sheet. “It was a difficult match,” he said. “They knew everything about us and we knew nothing about them.”
He further noted the quality of the Serbian side, emphasizing the challenges presented by players from top clubs and leagues. “They came with new energy and they made it a final for them,” he added.
Despite the win, Tuchel recognized areas for improvement, particularly in managing the game. “We didn’t get the pressing right all the time, they escaped sometimes from the deep build-up into fast attacks,” he continued. “But I like it, not everything is easy. We kept a clean sheet, and it was decisive in the end.”
England’s squad saw several notable players, including Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham, starting on the bench. Tuchel praised the contributions from substitutes, saying, “We had a good impact from the bench.”
Saka reflected positively on the team’s performance, asserting, “It’s a performance we can be proud of.” Eze echoed this sentiment, stating, “We got the win, and we played well. [The campaign] has been very successful; we have won every game.”
With steady momentum, the team looks forward to continuing their success against Albania this weekend.
In the world of international football, the balance of preparation and execution proves crucial, and for England, the blend of talent and determination offers a promising outlook as they aim for the World Cup next summer.
