Soccer-Saka and Eze sink Serbia to make it seven out of seven for England
England secured a 2-0 victory over Serbia in their World Cup qualifying match at Wembley, marking their seventh consecutive win. Bukayo Saka scored a volley in the 28th minute, and Eberechi Eze added a goal in the 90th minute. England, already qualified for the finals, showed a lack of urgency but saw a promising debut from Nico O'Reilly. Serbia's defeat means they can't qualify for the playoffs, while Albania secured a playoff spot.
By Martyn Herman
LONDON, Nov 13 (Reuters) - England eased to a mundane 2-0 victory over Serbia to make it seven wins from seven games in their World Cup qualifying campaign at a rain-soaked Wembley Stadium on Thursday.
Bukayo Saka’s superb 28th-minute volley lit up an otherwise forgettable encounter in which Serbia, despite desperately needing something to keep alive their own hopes, offered little.
Substitute Eberechi Eze put some gloss on England’s win with a clinical finish in the 90th minute.
With England having already qualified for next year’s finals in North America as Group K winners, Thomas Tuchel’s side lacked urgency at times although there was an encouraging debut for young Manchester City left back Nico O’Reilly.
One of the biggest cheers of the night came with the appearance of Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham off the bench midway through the second half, his first England appearance since June.
Serbia put up more resistance than in the 5-0 home drubbing by England in September and Dusan Vlahovic twice went close to equalising but defeat means his side can no longer finish in the top two and earn a playoff shot.
Albania will finish as runners-up and are guaranteed a playoff place after they beat Andorra 1-0 away.
England, who are yet to concede a goal, will seek to complete a perfect qualification campaign away to Albania on Sunday.
