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England visit Serbia on Tuesday evening, looking to beat their nearest rivals in Group K and take a huge step towards qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The visitors enter with a 100% record after four games, but were less than impressive in their last outing. A fifth win in five would be a huge boost for the underfire Thomas Tuchel, but will the Three Lions roar?
Serbia set up with seven points from a possible nine. The hosts are second in the pool, five points behind their opponents, but the locals have played one game fewer. Group K is more competitive than it appears at first glance, and a home win in midweek would blow the race wide open. Can Serbia upset the odds to keep things interesting?
Flashscore's football writer and betting expert Frank Monkhouse offers his Serbia vs England preview and predictions. He updates readers on the form of both teams, picks apart the head-to-head, analyses the vital stats available on the Flashscore app, and settles on his predictions at eye-catching odds. There's plenty to hold your interest as the Eagles and Lions do battle.
Serbia v England tips
Under 2.5 goals @ 3/4 (bet365)
Kane to score first @ 7/2 (bet365)
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Back another low-scoring match
The head-to-head stats show Tuesday's match is only the second involving these nations. The previous was last summer at Euro 2024 when England battled to a narrow, but deserved 1-0 victory. Jude Bellingham scored the only goal of the day at VELTINS-Arena, hitting what proved to be the winner with 13 minutes on the clock. The stats show England edged the possession stats with 53.2%, finished with one corner and a shot on target. The beaten team had two shots on target and two corners.
Last summer's showdown was a painful watch, and the form of both teams since suggests fans should prepare for more of the same. Serbia head into this qualifier following an uninspiring 1-0 away win over Latvia. That narrow result followed a 3-0 home victory over Andorra and a goalless finish in Albania in June. Manager Dragan Stojkovic knows better is required if he's to lead his team to World Cup 2026, but would happily accept another narrow win when England come calling.
Looking at the recent form of Tuesday's opponents, we see England bring a 100% record to Serbia, but they've not exactly set the heather alight in Group K so far. They needed an own goal and a second-half strike from Declan Rice to get past an average Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday. It was another win for England, but the fans were less than impressed by what they saw from Tuchel's troops. I'm picking another low-scoring match.
Tip: Under 2.5 goals @ 3/4 (bet365)
Bet explanation: If Tuesday's match produces fewer than three goals, your bet wins.
Trust the away win
The outcome of Tuesday's game in Belgrade will have a massive impact on Group K. A home win would keep alive Serbia's dreams of topping the group and securing automatic qualification to next summer's festival of football at 'We Are 26'. An away win would move England eight points clear of their main rivals after five games. There's still plenty of football to be played, but such a comfortable cushion would help Tuchel win over the fans.
They haven't been anywhere near their best as England look to find their feet since Tuchel replaced Gareth Southgate, but I'm confident the Three Lions have the skill and character in their squad to win. A clear victory and a few goals scored would serve as a statement of intent ahead of World Cup 2026, but everyone connected to Wembley know points are more important than performances at this stage.
England will require a huge effort to continue their winning run in the group and perfect record against Serbia. They must give fans a reason to be hopeful ahead of the World Cup proper, and a convincing performance would add much-needed confidence to the ranks. The visitors remain in a transitional period, but I'm happy to take a chance on a high-ranking nation with four wins from four games in this competition.
Tip: England win @ 3/4 (bet365)
Bet explanation: You need England to win the match by any scoreline to secure the profits.
Stick with England's star striker
Our third and final bet at Stadion Rajko Mitic is one for lovers of a nice price. Harry Kane to score first on Tuesday is available at 7/2. If the Bayern Munich attacker is anywhere near his best, those odds will prove great value. The 32-year-old Londoner is fast approaching full fitness and match sharpness, which will be evident in Belgrade.
When following this bet, you need Kane to score the first goal against Serbia. The timing of the goal, how it's scored, and the final result aren't important here. As long as England take a 1-0 lead at any point and the strike is credited to Kane, you'll land a winning bet and a handsome profit. Backers will need a share of good fortune to beat the bookies with a first scorer bet, but the stats show we have a strong chance of winning.
Kane scored six goals in his first three games for club team Bayern Munich this season. He netted first in a 2-1 away win over Stuttgart in the German Super Cup, and bagged a hat-trick in an amazing 6-0 home win over RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. A brace in the German Cup late last month ensures he travels with confidence and momentum. Back Kane to score first.
Tip: Kane to score first @ 7/2 (bet365)
Bet explanation: You need Harry Kane to score the first goal of Tuesday's game in Belgrade.
Serbia vs England odds
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The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.