England’s 2-0 victory over Serbia offered another glimpse into the immense depth available to Thomas Tuchel, but it also underscored one non-negotiable in his World Cup blueprint: Bukayo Saka’s status as an indispensable starter.
While Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Eberechi Eze were introduced as high-impact “finishers” on 65 minutes, Saka remained on the pitch throughout. His brilliant opener — his 14th England goal — reaffirmed his reliability, influence and irreplaceability. At 24, and already Arsenal’s record England goalscorer, Saka has cemented himself alongside Harry Kane as one of Tuchel’s most trusted figures.
With England’s place at the World Cup already secured, debate has intensified around the No.10 role, particularly the duel between Morgan Rogers and Bellingham, while Foden continues to push for a greater central role. Yet Saka requires no deliberation; only injury can prevent him from starting England’s opening match next summer.
Kane, meanwhile, delivered another captain’s performance, combining relentless defensive work with his usual leadership. Although England's all-time leading scorer did not add to his 76 international goals, Tuchel will be encouraged that decisive finishes came from elsewhere — Saka and Eze — showing England’s growing attacking diversity.
Tuchel praised the “immediate impact” of his substitutes, with Foden, Bellingham and Eze injecting urgency and creativity. The trio created multiple chances, and Eze’s late curling strike — assisted via a slick combination between Bellingham and Foden — sealed the win.
The England manager again emphasised squad cohesion over rigid hierarchies:
“It’s not about building a starting XI. It’s about building a team. They buy into that. Ego comes second.”
England’s remaining uncertainties surround left-back, central defence, the No.10 role, and the left-sided forward spot — and Thursday’s game provided both insights and new complications.
Debutant Nico O’Reilly delivered a composed performance at left-back, a position still lacking a confirmed starter. In central defence, Ezri Konsa continued his strong form and has become a genuine challenger to John Stones and Marc Guehi.
On the left flank, Marcus Rashford again showed flashes of quality — particularly his close control — but inconsistency remains an issue. He faces mounting pressure from Anthony Gordon, once fit again, and Arsenal’s Noni Madueke.
England’s internal competition is fierce, and Tuchel seems energised by the challenge of shaping a talented squad into a cohesive unit capable of ending the nation's 58-year wait for a major men’s trophy.
The auditions continue on Sunday against Albania in Tirana — and with multiple positions still genuinely up for grabs, every minute will count in England’s increasingly compelling World Cup selection race.
