Serbia, as an independent nation, have only ever met England once, this coming at last summer's European Championships, when Jude Bellingham was the only scorer of the night in Gelsenkirchen.
Serbia vs England preview
England have been spectacularly unimpressive in 2025 so far, but this will be, by some distance, their toughest test of the campaign, possibly until they get to the World Cup itself. On Saturday, the Three Lions swatted aside Andorra at Villa Park 2-0; Noni Madueke's cross provoking an own goal, before Declan Rice's towering header made the points secure later on. This means Thomas Tuchel's team have maximum points, still yet to concede a goal in Group K, having beaten Andorra 1-0 in Barcelona in June, following victories over both Albania and Latvia at Wembley in March.
England have featured at all seven World Cups since USA '94, winning 54 of 70 World Cup qualifiers during this time frame, their most recent such defeat coming against Ukraine in Dnipropetrovsk back in October 2009. Thus, as usual, England supporters expect their side to cruise to top spot, on course to do just that, but they're yet to face the group's second seeds, which is about to change.
Serbia meantime have actually featured at three of World Cups since gaining full independence in 2006, including both of the last two, very much determined to be in North America too. At the weekend, the Eagles battled to a 1-0 victory over Latvia in Riga, with Dušan Vlahović's goal in the 12th minute enough to secure the points. Dragan Stojković's side are therefore yet to taste defeat in Group K, held to a goalless draw by fierce rivals Albania in Tirana in their opener during the summer, before demolishing Andorra 3-0 in Leskovac, thanks to Aleksandar Mitrović's hat-trick.
Overall, Serbia are currently unbeaten in seven competitive games and have an imperious home record, undefeated in seven, dating back two years. In fact, since June 2015, only Hungary, Norway and Portugal, have managed to beat them in a competitive fixture on home soil, that's four defeats in 32 matches, holding Spain to a goalless stalemate at Rajko Mitić Stadium a year ago. The iconic Marakana will be packed the rafters and raucous, so can they spring a massive surprise?
Serbia vs England head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 1.
- Serbia Wins: Zero. Draws: Zero. England Wins: 1.
Serbia team news
Dragan Stojković favours a 3-5-2, set to stick with this system, featuring Bournemouth's Đorđe Petrović in goal, the number one following Vanja Milinković-Savić's withdrawal.
Out-field, Nemanja Maksimović is set to come in for Aleksandar Katai, adding defensive solidity to midfield, alongside Fulham's Saša Lukić.
In attack, having been frozen out at Al-Hilal, joining Al-Rayyan, Aleksandar Mitrović hasn't played a single minute of club football since May, so was only fit enough to feature for the final eight minutes on Saturday. However, he is set start this time, partnering Dušan Vlahović up front.
Serbia predicted lineup vs England: (4-3-3): Petrović; Pavlović, Milenković, Veljković; Živković, Ilić, Lukić, Maksimović, Kostić; Vlahović, Mitrović.
Serbia player to watch vs England
We've already spoken about him at length, but worth highlighting Aleksandar Mitrović again. Back in June, he marked his 100th cap for Serbia with a hat-trick, taking his tally to 62 for his country. Of these goals, 22 have been scored at the Marakana, so will he help vanquish England?
England team news
This'll be the first serious test of the Thomas Tuchel era, in a competitive setting at least, so his team selection will be fascinating. The previously uncapped Dan Burn has started three of the four qualifiers, so will he continue to parnter Marc Guéhi at the back, chosen over Ezri Konsa?
Elsewhere, Elliot Anderson made his debut at the base of midfield against Andorra, likely to keep his place alongside weekend scorer Declan Rice. Further forward is where Tuchel has an abundance of options. Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Marcus Rashford got the nod at Villa Park, but Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen, Morgan Gibbs-White and Morgan Rogers aren't bad options are they?
Ruben Loftus-Cheek could win his first England cap since November 2018, while Trent Alexander-Arnold, John Stones, Kyle Walker, Levi Colwill, Adam Wharton, Conor Gallagher, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish are among those not in the traveling party.
England predicted lineup vs Serbia: (4-3-3): Pickford; James, Guéhi, Burn, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Anderson, Madueke, Eze, Rashford, Kane.
England player to watch vs Serbia
Harry Kane has scored 73 international goals, of which 44 have been scored in European qualifiers. He has so far netted against 33 different nations, so can he add Serbia to this list in Belgrade?
Serbia vs England prediction
This game is tough to call, given that England have not played anyone as good as Serbia since the Euros Final, but we are backing the visitors for a narrow victory in Belgrade: Serbia 1-2 England.
Serbia vs England FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Serbia vs England in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Serbia vs England in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: ITV1
- USA: Fox Sports & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Serbia vs England in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Serbia vs England in World Cup qualification will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: ITVX
- USA: Foxsports.com & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Serbia vs England in World Cup qualification?
Serbia vs England takes place on Tuesday 9 September 2025, with kick off at 19:45 (BST), 14:45 (EDT) & 11:45 (PDT).