Prediction: England vs Serbia

Verdict: Total home goals over 2.5

Best odds: 29/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

Wembley Stadium will host England’s final home fixture of the World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign on Thursday night as Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions welcome Serbia in Group K.

England have already sealed their ticket to the main tournament with two games to spare, boasting a flawless record of six wins from six, 18 goals scored, and none conceded. For Serbia, however, the stakes remain high: Veljko Paunovic takes charge of his first competitive match as head coach, with the Eagles still battling for a playoff spot.

England

England enter this clash in imperious form. Tuchel’s side confirmed qualification last month with a 5-0 demolition of Latvia, extending their perfect run in Group K. They have not conceded a single goal in qualifying and are chasing a fifth consecutive clean sheet across all competitions.

After a pair of underwhelming displays against Andorra earlier in the campaign, England have rediscovered their attacking rhythm, scoring five or more goals in back-to-back competitive fixtures.

The Three Lions’ dominance has been built on defensive solidity and clinical finishing, with Harry Kane continuing to lead by example as captain.

Team News

Tuchel has welcomed back Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden into the squad after both missed October’s internationals. However, only one of the two may start, with Bellingham favored for the No.10 role behind Kane.

Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford are expected to occupy the flanks, while Declan Rice partners Elliot Anderson in midfield, forcing newcomer Alex Scott to wait for his chance.

At the back, Marc Guehi is a major doubt due to a foot injury, prompting Ezri Konsa to join John Stones in central defence. Reece James and Dan Burn are likely to operate as full-backs, with Jordan Pickford—yet to concede in Group K—between the sticks.

Serbia

Serbia’s qualifying campaign has been turbulent. After four consecutive clean sheets earlier in the year, the Eagles have conceded seven goals in their last three matches.

A 1-0 defeat to Albania in October marked the end of Dragan Stojkovic’s tenure, followed by a brief caretaker spell under Zoran Mirkovic. Veljko Paunovic now steps in for his first game, tasked with reviving Serbia’s playoff hopes.

The visitors sit third in Group K, behind Albania, and need a strong result to keep their World Cup dream alive. Their recent 3-1 win over Andorra offered a glimmer of optimism, but Wembley represents a daunting challenge for a side in transition.

Team News

Paunovic inherits a squad with experience but fragile confidence. Dusan Vlahovic and Aleksandar Mitrovic remain Serbia’s primary attacking threats, supported by wide men Filip Kostic and Andrija Zivkovic. In midfield, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Nemanja Gudelj provide steel and creativity, while Sasa Lukic adds balance.

The back three of Nikola Milenkovic, Strahinja Pavlovic, and Milos Veljkovic will shield goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic, facing the unenviable task of halting England’s free-scoring attack.

Head-to-Head Record

England and Serbia (including previous incarnations as Yugoslavia and Serbia & Montenegro) have met 17 times. Each side has six wins, with five draws. England are unbeaten in their last four meetings, including a 5-0 thrashing in Belgrade during this qualifying campaign and a 1-0 victory at Euro 2024 courtesy of Jude Bellingham’s header.

Historically, encounters have been tight, but recent results underline England’s growing dominance in this fixture.

Conclusion

Thursday’s clash pits England’s relentless march against Serbia’s fight for survival. Tuchel’s men will aim to maintain their perfect record and defensive invincibility, while Paunovic seeks an upset to ignite Serbia’s playoff hopes.

With Kane chasing more milestones and Bellingham back in the fold, England look primed for another commanding display. Serbia’s physicality and aerial threat could pose questions, but the hosts’ quality and momentum make them overwhelming favorites for a comfortable win.

Verdict: Total home goals over 2.5

Best odds: 29/20

Bookmaker: 888sport