Tuchel Cautions England on Rising Serbian Challenge

Tuchel aims to end a 60-year drought for a major men’s international trophy for England at next year’s finals in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

Previously under Gareth Southgate, England almost broke this streak with two European Championship final appearances.

Tuchel’s team achieved their fourth consecutive win in Group K by defeating Andorra 2-0 at Villa Park on Saturday. They now face a more challenging match in Belgrade.

“It will be a good test and we’re looking forward to it,” Tuchel remarked.

“We believe we are ready to embrace the atmosphere and the physical challenge. It will be an emotional and crucial game in the group.

“We will be prepared for whatever comes.”

England previously beat Serbia 1-0 during their Euro 2024 opener, with Jude Bellingham scoring the decisive goal.

They currently top the group, five points ahead of second-placed Serbia, who have a game in hand.

Speaking about playing in Belgrade, Tuchel, the former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain coach, commented, “Expect an emotional crowd.”

“We must adapt to adversity and overcome it. We’ll see how the pitch and the game unfold; you never know what might happen—including red or yellow cards—so we need to be ready for every possibility.”

Despite struggling at times against Andorra, ranked 174th globally, England has yet to concede a goal in the qualifiers.

Tuchel added, “We might face the same defensive setup—5-4-1—with strong, tall strikers in the attack.”

“We will prepare for their best lineup and adjust as needed.”

The Rajko Mitic Stadium’s capacity has been cut by 15% following FIFA’s sanction and fine against Serbian football authorities due to “discrimination and racist abuse” directed at Andorra in June.

In 2012, UEFA mandated that Serbia’s Under-21 team play behind closed doors due to “improper supporter conduct, specifically racist behavior,” during a European Championship playoff against England in Krusevac.

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