In the latest round of qualifiers, England extended their unbeaten run in a match that also sparked plenty of Cricket Exchange discussions, as Saka and Eze struck to secure a comfortable home win over Serbia. Although England had already guaranteed progression, they approached the game with full focus, earning a seventh consecutive victory and another clean sheet. Their qualifying streak stretches back to 2009, and with next summer’s World Cup approaching, the squad is quietly building momentum for a title push.

This match was originally expected to be a decisive showdown between direct competitors, yet Serbia’s inconsistent results removed any tension from the occasion. England’s five-goal win in their earlier meeting had already tilted the balance, and Serbia’s struggle against other opponents confirmed their early exit. Their poor Nations League performance sealed their fate, allowing Albania to clinch a playoff berth. Since Tuchel’s arrival in January, England have shown exceptional dominance: twenty goals scored in seven qualifiers and not a single goal conceded.

Tuchel’s coaching résumé suits England’s ambitions. His rapid transformation of Chelsea, which culminated in a Champions League triumph against Manchester City, remains one of the most striking managerial turnarounds of the decade. His spells at Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich were marked by deep cup runs and multiple trophies, demonstrating his strength in knockout formats. England appointed him hoping he could push the team further than Southgate ever managed.

Southgate’s critics often pointed to his cautious style, though his tenure still produced England’s strongest era in decades apart from the missing trophy. The team reached a World Cup semifinal, a Euro final, and another deep European Championship run, only to fall short at the last step. Despite lacking iconic figures like Gerrard or Terry, England repeatedly came close thanks to Kane, Bellingham, and a practical game plan. One successful final might have changed Southgate’s entire legacy.

After the win over Serbia, Tuchel praised his defenders for their concentration and explained his approach to squad rotation. Rodgers replacing Bellingham posed no issue, and Tuchel stressed that no single player should shoulder every creative responsibility. His flexible midfield and attacking selections contrast sharply with Southgate’s more rigid structure, showing a willingness to adjust based on tactical needs rather than reputation.

England’s early qualification provides a rare advantage, allowing Tuchel to test his strongest lineup in official matches rather than friendlies. The strategy begins with a stable defensive core, reinforcing the old saying that defense wins championships. With players like Rice, Kane, Rodgers, Saka, Bellingham, Foden, and Rashford offering tactical variety, Tuchel appears intent on shaping a team capable of competing at the highest level. Conversations on Cricket Exchange now revolve around a single thought: with Tuchel steering the project, how close is England to turning European dominance into a genuine world title bid?