After England’s emphatic away win over Serbia in World Cup qualifying, Thomas Tuchel is suddenly being viewed much more positively by the English media. The Three Lions and their German head coach had previously faced heavy criticism following lackluster performances against Andorra and a friendly defeat to Senegal.
England’s crushing 5–0 victory over Serbia in Belgrade on Wednesday night has shifted the narrative surrounding Thomas Tuchel’s reign as national team coach.
After a string of underwhelming performances narrow, labored wins against Andorra and a defeat in a friendly to Senegal the pressure had been mounting on the German tactician. Many in the English media and fan base had begun to openly question whether Tuchel was the right man to lead the Three Lions into the 2026 World Cup. Yet, in one emphatic performance in Serbia, England not only silenced their critics but also offered a glimpse of what Tuchel’s vision for the team could look like at its best.
From the opening whistle, England looked sharper, more aggressive, and far more cohesive than in recent outings. The midfield dictated tempo, the backline stood resolute under pressure, and the attack moved with fluidity and intent. Serbia, typically a difficult opponent at home, was overwhelmed by England’s relentless pace and precision. Goals flowed freely, and the performance had the hallmarks of a side that had finally found its rhythm.
The English press, which had been highly critical of Tuchel, quickly changed its tune. The Times declared: “England finally shine in Serbia. The Thomas Tuchel era has begun.” The paper cautioned, however, that tougher challenges may not be on the immediate horizon, with England’s remaining group-stage matches coming against lower-ranked opposition like Albania, Latvia, and Andorra. “A commanding 5–0 victory over Serbia is a step forward,” The Times wrote, “but England will no longer get the chance to face an opponent of this caliber before heading to the US.”
The Daily Mail focused on the mounting pressure Tuchel had been under in recent weeks. “There had been a wave of discontent over Tuchel’s role since he became England manager last October, and a defeat against the Serbians would have escalated the situation to an uncomfortable level,” the outlet reported. Instead, Tuchel responded with authority. “England’s displays in this qualification campaign had often been dull and uninspired. But this was their toughest game, and they executed it perfectly. There is no longer any reason for concern.”
The Independent emphasized the importance of Tuchel’s tactical imprint finally coming to life. “England are finally fulfilling Tuchel’s vision with a five-goal victory over Serbia,” the paper wrote. “Tuchel said he had been looking forward to this, and now you understand why. He has finally given England something to look forward to, and it goes beyond just qualifying for the World Cup. This was what England had been waiting for. This was finally Tuchel’s England. They were disciplined in structure and dynamic in attack, exactly what he has long idealized.”
The Guardian, meanwhile, highlighted the individual brilliance of Morgan Rogers, who emerged as one of the stars of the night. “The fearless Morgan Rogers leads England to a double triumph: silencing both the Serbian fans and the critics back home,” the paper wrote. “This was the first spectacle England have produced, in a masterfully controlled away match. It was the night of Morgan Rogers and Tuchel. He seems to have discovered his key pillars within this England side: teamwork, hunger, pace alongside Harry Kane, and Reece James at right-back.”
For England supporters, the performance provided a much-needed injection of optimism. Not only did the result solidify England’s position in World Cup qualifying, but it also suggested that Tuchel’s tactical philosophy built on defensive solidity, pressing, and dynamic attacking play is finally being absorbed by the squad. Players who had looked uncertain or out of rhythm in previous games appeared liberated, executing a plan that blended discipline with creativity.
The broader implications are significant. With the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico less than two years away, every qualifier is not just about points but about building momentum and identity. England’s dominant display in Belgrade has reignited belief that Tuchel can mold this group into genuine contenders on the world stage. The performance also eased concerns that had been growing louder in recent weeks concerns that Tuchel’s methods were not translating to the international stage in the same way they had at club level.
Of course, challenges remain. The fixture list ahead does not offer another test of Serbia’s caliber, which means England will need to maintain intensity against less formidable opponents. Consistency, not just flashes of brilliance, will define whether Tuchel’s England can sustain momentum into the World Cup. Still, for now, the criticism has been quieted, the doubts pushed aside, and the belief rekindled.
England’s night in Belgrade will be remembered as more than just three points in qualifying. It was a turning point the evening when Tuchel’s England truly arrived.
