England Still Have Things To Improve

They beat Andorra but Tuchel urges them to adapt against a tough and physical Serbia

- 

LONDON - Thomas Tuchel challenged England to "prove a point" against Serbia in the crucial World Cup qualifier on Sept 9, after his side laboured to a 2-0 win over minnows Andorra.

Christian Garcia's first-half own goal at Villa Park on Sept 6 was followed by Declan Rice's header after the interval as the Group K leaders made it four successive European qualifying victories.

But while England remain on course for the 2026 World Cup Finals, this was another underwhelming display that raised questions about Tuchel's ability to produce a trophy-winning team from a gifted generation.

The Three Lions were efficient but unspectacular, lacking guile and intelligence in the final third.

Tuchel wants a more purposeful performance in the toughest test of his reign when England face their main Group K rivals Serbia in Belgrade.

"We will try to prove a point, to win and put out the next performance, and to be tough in the circumstances," he said.

"We expect a very emotional stadium, we expect an emotional crowd. We expect maybe, yeah, to adapt to the circumstances. We don't know what the pitch looks like. Make no excuses.