England's Star-Studded Squad Ready to Battle Serbia in Crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifier

Although England have yet to claim victory on football's biggest stage, they have consistently qualified for major tournaments since their absence from Euro 2008.

The Three Lions have appointed Thomas Tuchel to help them achieve success in North America next summer, and they will virtually guarantee their place among the 48 teams with a positive result in Belgrade on Tuesday evening.

Tuchel's early period in charge has been relatively unremarkable, and the forthcoming match against Serbia is expected to be a tough, physical encounter determined by small details.

Here's how England might set up for their most challenging World Cup qualifying fixture, having begun with four victories from four matches.

England Predicted Lineup vs. Serbia (4-2-3-1)

GK: Jordan Pickford—England's first-choice goalkeeper will maintain his position, and he's likely to face significantly more action on Tuesday evening than he did on Saturday.

RB: Reece James—Tuchel might stick with James's experience at right-back rather than the energetic Tino Livramento or international newcomer Djed Spence, both capable of playing on either flank.

CB: Marc Guéhi—The Crystal Palace centre-back has returned to action following his failed Deadline Day transfer to Liverpool. Tuchel appears inclined to maintain defensive stability.

CB: Dan Burn—Burn has surprisingly established himself beyond a single appearance. He could be competing for a World Cup squad place. His aerial ability will prove valuable against set-pieces on Tuesday, with Serbia expected to field two target men in attack.

LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly—The manager rates the Arsenal youngster highly, and Lewis-Skelly will probably start on the left again despite his subdued start to the Premier League campaign.

CM: Elliot Anderson—Anderson impressed on his England debut, earning praise from the manager as "very good," and might establish himself as an option in the deeper midfield role.

CM: Declan Rice—The Arsenal midfielder found the net at the weekend and remains a crucial component of this England squad.

RW: Noni Madueke—Despite an imperfect display at Villa Park, Madueke was England's most threatening player. His direct approach and willingness to challenge defenders might persuade Tuchel to keep him on the right ahead of Jarrod Bowen.

AM: Morgan Gibbs-White—Eberechi Eze will probably be dropped, but which Morgan will the manager choose? Rogers featured on Saturday, though Gibbs-White offers similar quality. Tuchel may favour his ability to drop deep and contribute to build-up play.

LW: Anthony Gordon—Marcus Rashford was among the disappointing performers at the weekend, making this substitution seem logical.

ST: Harry Kane—England's leading scorer surprisingly completed the full 90 minutes on Saturday, though the match likely wasn't too demanding. He's certain to retain his place against a Serbian defence that contained him effectively at Euro 2024.