England produced far and away their best win of Thomas Tuchel’s reign as they battered Serbia 5-0 in Belgrade to continue their march towards World Cup qualification.
The Three Lions delivered a dominant performance against their desperately disappointing hosts, who went down to 10 men in the second half when Nottingham Forest’s Nikola Milenkovic was dismissed for fouling Harry Kane.
It was Kane who scored the opener, before three players - Noni Madueke, Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi - each notched their first international goals. Marcus Rashford then scored another from the penalty spot to give real gloss to the scoreline after a superb performance.
Dom Smith was on hand to rate the England players’ performances...
Jordan Pickford 6
Had pretty much nothing to do against a disappointing Serbia team.
Reece James 7
Positive passing from the Chelsea right-back, who is making the position his own ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Marc Guehi 7
Dealt well with the threat of Dusan Vlahovic and picked up an assist as his centre-back partner scored the third. Then added one of his own.
Ezri Konsa 7
Scored his first international goal and looked good in partnership with Guehi. A favourite under Tuchel.
Tino Livramento 7
Given a show of faith ahead of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Djed Spence, and fared well, particularly defensively, dispossessing Serbia down the flank.
Declan Rice 7
His end product left something to be desired from open play, but he marauded forward well and did assist Kane and Guehi.
Elliot Anderson 8
Excellent again for England after his impressive debut against Andorra. Won the ball back and passed swiftly - invariably forwards.
Noni Madueke 8
Has been the real winner of Tuchel’s tenure so far. Capped off a stellar showing in Belgrade by tearing down the right flank in the first half and applying a lovely finish for his first international goal.
Morgan Rogers 8
His deft flick assisted Madueke’s goal and was symptomatic of a night in which he was sharp, took risks and pressed his case to go to the World Cup.
Anthony Gordon 7
Was brighter in the first 30 minutes and then faded a little, but got his toe to the ball to keep England in possession and was front-footed from the left flank.
Harry Kane 7
After one of his quietest days in an England shirt at Villa Park on Saturday, Kane was back on the scoresheet with his customary goal, stooping well to head home the opener. Spread the play well, too.
Subs
Djed Spence (James, 69’) 7
Very positive, getting himself into crossing positions from right-back on the occasion of his England debut.
Marcus Rashford (Gordon, 69’) 8
Was a bundle of positivity, almost scoring with a fine run, denied at the last by a good save from Djordje Petrovic. Then did get on the scoresheet, calmly slotting home a late penalty.
Ollie Watkins (Kane, 76’) N/A
Jarrod Bowen (Madueke, 76’) N/A
Declan Rice (Henderson, 81’) N/A
Not used: Quansah, D Henderson, Eze, Burn, Gibbs-White, Loftus-Cheek, Trafford.
