England player ratings vs Serbia: Morgan Rogers delights as Noni Madueke impresses again

England produced their best display of the Thomas Tuchel era with a 5-0 victory away in Serbia to put them on the brink of qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

A largely uninspiring 2-0 win over Andorra earlier in the international break continued what has proved a slow start to life for the Three Lions under their new German coach.

But faced with their toughest test of Tuchel’s tutelage so far, against the 32nd-ranked side in the world by FIFA, England went some way to proving some of their doubters wrong with an emphatic win in Belgarde.

Harry Kane, making his 109th England cap, opened the scoring with a well-taken header from Declan Rice’s corner delivery.

And the visitors doubled the score shortly after as Noni Madueke notched up his first England goal with a deft chip after Morgan Rogers’ neat flick played the Arsenal winger through on goal.

England were largely untroubled defensively by their opponents on the night, and added their third after the break when Ezri Konsa bundled the ball home from close range.

Shortly after Nikola Milenkovic was sent off for a foul on Kane, Tuchel’s side added their fourth when Marc Guehi stabbed home from the resulting free-kick.

And after Ollie Watkins was fouled late on inside the area, Marcus Rashford stepped up to score from the spot to round off a superb night for England.

Here is how Metro rated the performances of each England player…

Jordan Pickford – 6

Another quiet evening for the Everton keeper, minus one small mishap on the ball that almost resulted in a chance for Serbia. Still yet to concede under Tuchel.

Reece James – 6

Solid all-round display on what proved a quiet night defensively. Looks to have established himself as Tuchel’s first-choice right-back.

Ezri Konsa – 7

Another impressive display from the centre-half, which was capped off with his first England goal in the second half. Dealt with the threat of Dusan Vlahovic well, along with Guehi.

Marc Guehi – 7

Got on the scoresheet after his defensive partner in the second half, and played his part in keeping Vlahovic and Co. quiet.

Tino Livramento – 6

Did nothing wrong and got forward well to provide support for Gordon down the left. Untroubled going the other way.

Elliot Anderson – 7

The star of the international break for the Three Lions. Another consummate display in the heart of midfield, breaking up play and keeping the tempo high, that will surely make him a long-term fixture in Tuchel’s side.

Declan Rice – 7

With Anderson alongside him, the Arsenal midfielder continues to look far more unshackled in the heart of England’s midfield. Better quality with his set-piece delivery set up two of his side’s goals.

Noni Madueke – 8

The Arsenal winger has been England’s most impressive performer under Tuchel so far and produced the goods once again. A constant threat down the right wing and took his goal superbly with a neat chip.

Morgan Rogers – 8

An extremely bright display from the Aston Villa attacker, who produced a number of neat touches and turns, most notably to set up Madueke’s goal.

Anthony Gordon – 6

Bright in periods during the first half, but quieter after the break before being brought off for Rashford.

The only one of England’s four starting attacking players not to register a goal or an assist.

Harry Kane – 7

A well-taken goal from the corner saw England on their way to victory. One of his livelier displays of the Tuchel era, and should go some way to silencing the lingering discourse that this side would be better off without their captain.

Substitutes

Marcus Rashford (Gordon 68′) – 7

Djed Spence (James 68′) – 6

Ollie Watkins (Kane 76′) – 6

Jarrod Bowen (Madueke 76′) – 7

Jordan Henderson (Rice 81′) – N/A

Subs not used: Burn, Eze, Gibbs-White, D. Henderson, Loftus-Cheek, Quansah, Trafford.

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