Serbia pose an unpredictable threat in Gelsenkirchen, led by former Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and Juventus midfielder Dusan Vlahovic. Additionally, Nemanja Maksimovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic provide attacking midfielders who will look to test England’s defence at their unproven home stadium.
Gareth Southgate makes four changes from their loss against Iceland, with John Stones returning from illness to pair up with Marc Guehi at centre-back alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold replacing Adam Wharton while Jude Bellingham replaces Conor Gallagher and Kobbie Mainoo on either flank.
In this article, we will discuss the main points or top players of Serbia National Football Team vs England National Football Team Lineups.
England Starting XI:
| No. | Player | Position | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jordan Pickford | GK | |
| 2 | Kyle Walker | RB | |
| 5 | John Stones | CB | |
| 6 | Marc Guéhi | CB | |
| 12 | Kieran Trippier | LB | |
| 8 | Trent Alexander-Arnold | CM | Substituted off 69′ |
| 4 | Declan Rice | CM | |
| 7 | Bukayo Saka | RW | Assist for Bellingham’s goal; substituted off 76′ |
| 10 | Jude Bellingham | AM | Scored in 13′ |
| 11 | Phil Foden | LW | |
| 9 | Harry Kane (c) | CF |
Serbia Starting XI:
| No. | Player | Position | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Predrag Rajković | GK | |
| 13 | Miloš Veljković | CB | |
| 4 | Nikola Milenković | CB | |
| 2 | Strahinja Pavlović | CB | |
| 14 | Andrija Živković | RM | Substituted off 74′ |
| 20 | Nemanja Gudelj | CM | Yellow card 39′; substituted off 46′ |
| 22 | Saša Lukić | CM | Substituted off 61′ |
| 17 | Ivan Ilić | CM | Substituted on 46′ |
| 25 | Filip Mladenović | LM | Substituted on 43′ |
| 9 | Aleksandar Mitrović | CF | Substituted off 61′ |
| 7 | Dušan Vlahović | CF |
England XI: Pickford
Sunderland academy, reserve, and senior teams veteran Pickford made his full England debut against Germany in November 2017 and excelled with his clean sheet performance as England secured a 2-2 tie.
Dragan Stojkovic will likely maintain much of the same lineup that won 3-0 against Switzerland, featuring Aleksandar Mitrovic at centre forward and Dusan Tadic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic providing leggy pace.
Gareth Southgate must decide who will partner John Stones at centre-back and left-back given Luke Shaw’s injury issues, with Kieran Trippier likely continuing despite recent poor form, Trent Alexander-Arnold having an opportunity to shine, Conor Gallagher and Kobbie Mainoo adding some variety in midfield, Conor Gallagher and Kobbie Mainoo being considered for inclusion as options bringing something different than they have shown before – yet again proving an old managerial maxim true: good teams win even when not playing well – so Gareth Southgate faces some difficult decisions when selecting his team! But as any good manager knows, a great team will prevail even when playing poorly!
Trippier
Gareth Southgate faces intense pressure to choose his most potency eleven as England look to get their European Championship campaign underway against Serbia. Southgate must select an eleven capable of keeping defenders busy while being lethal offensively.
Kieran Trippier of Newcastle United was selected as England’s left-back in a 1-1 draw against Switzerland during 2024 European Championship qualifying group stage qualifying qualifiers, creating two opportunities and sending in two crosses during that match. He typically serves as right-back but he has deputized on both clubs and country as left-back – deputising both clubs and country when needed – with two chances created and sent in two crosses during England’s 1-1 tie in this group stage qualifying event for European Championship 2024 qualifiers qualifying group stage match against Switzerland that saw him create two chances and send two crosses during that encounter alone!
Trent Alexander-Arnold will likely continue in central midfield alongside Declan Rice. A key member of this system, Trent has the talent to become one of the finest midfielders globally – combined with Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden as an unstoppable trio they could cause havoc against opponents.
Stones
Stones will play an integral part for England at centre-back. Gareth Southgate has trusted Stones to be the centerpiece of his defense and now stands the chance of earning himself an automatic starting place at Euro 2024.
Since Harry Maguire’s injury-induced withdrawal from this tournament, England manager Gareth Southgate will need to select an ideal partner for John Stones – perhaps Manchester United defender Antonio Valencia could make for a good pick given how well he has performed over the last 12 months.
Luke Shaw and Lewis Dunk’s injuries leave left-back as the primary concern, so my XI chooses Joe Gomez to fill that role, with Trent Alexander-Arnold operating from right side and Bukayo Saka covering left channel duties respectively. For midfielder Cole Palmer stands out; as an anchorman who covers ground quickly while protecting the back four.
Guehi
Serbia are one of the tournament’s dark horses with an excellent squad led by Aleksandar Mitrovic, an outstanding goalscorer who could pose a real threat against an unfamiliar England defence in Gelsenkirchen. They also boast Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic and AC Milan’s Luka Jovic as options up front.
Gareth Southgate enters this game without any injury concerns for either team, as John Stones is fully fit to partner Marc Guehi at centre back and Kieran Trippier will partner Kyle Walker on the right flank. Meanwhile, Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden could make their debuts alongside Jude Bellingham and Captain Harry Kane in midfield.
Trent Alexander-Arnold may take the place of either Ezri Konsa or Lewis Dunk in central midfield, with Kobbie Mainoo and Conor Gallagher available as cover if necessary. Bukayo Saka could lose out if Cole Palmer or Jarrod Bowen become available; otherwise Southgate would use Mainoo or Bowen in left wing positions instead – providing an attacking outlet for Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham.
Rice
England will aim to start off their UEFA Nations League campaign in style when they travel to Serbia, as Gareth Southgate looks to use the same formula that proved so effective against Croatia – with Marc Guehi and John Stones pairing at centre back, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Declan Rice starting as midfielders, Phil Foden free to roam down left flank.
Serbia’s Euro 2024 qualifiers were marred by controversy off the field, which ultimately cost them a play-off berth. Drawn into Group F alongside Germany, USA and Iran; though starting their qualifying campaign well they ultimately ended up finishing second due to an inferior goal difference deficit.
Spain will be without several first-team players due to injury, including Barcelona star Lamine Yamal who picked up an ankle knock against Denmark last time out. But, don’t despair as Catalan giants still possess plenty of talent in reserve!
Alexander-Arnold
Gareth Southgate may opt to stick with Kieran Trippier at left-back rather than introducing Trent Alexander-Arnold for the first time at a major tournament. The Liverpool defender had been touted as a potential replacement for Luke Shaw due to an ankle injury; with his defensive acume helping limit Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s influence.
Kyle Walker, Ezri Konsa and Kieran Stones have been reliable throughout this campaign, while Bukayo Saka’s wing-back role remains unclear but his industry will help Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham blend into England’s fluid midfield trio.
Serbia are competing in their inaugural Euros since the breakup of Yugoslavia and have encountered significant difficulty since arriving in Germany following their 1-0 opening defeat against Switzerland and dramatic injury-time equaliser against Slovenia. They still boast formidable talent such as Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic, Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic and FC Barcelona playmaker Luka Jovic as well as West Londoner Sasa Lukic and Saudi Arabia’s Dorde Petrovic who possess plenty of firepower to propel them.
Foden
Manchester City youth player Foden has been given his chance to shine at senior level following an outstanding season with Pep Guardiola’s squad. Foden made his senior debut against Iceland and Denmark on August 20, 2020 and has accepted this new challenge with great relish.
He has been an outstanding contributor for England Under-21 side, most notably at the final of UEFA European U-21 Championships where he received wide press coverage. The diminutive midfielder can play either on either the right wing or through the middle and has proven his abilities against older, physically stronger boys at every age group level.
This lineup sees him start alongside Marc Guehi and John Stones in central defense; Trent Alexander-Arnold and Declan Rice join him on the right flank; Cole Palmer will cover left back if needed, while Bukayo Saka can step in at left-back if necessary; Jude Bellingham earns a place as part of their midfield alongside Gomes and Grealish.
Saka
Yugoslavia will return to Euro finals competition since 2000 with mixed expectations, but their squad boasts quality players such as Aleksandar Mitrovic who poses a danger, Dusan Tadic and Luka Jovic adding extra firepower in midfield, Dusan Tadic as captain and Luka Jovic providing midfield playmaking duties.
England begin their game in possession but are unable to capitalize. Saka finds space down the left and crosses, but Alexander-Arnold fails to connect with his teammate’s passes.
England have made four changes, with Luke Shaw returning from injury to their bench for their warm-up match against Serbia, Ramsdale and Henderson leaving, Kieran Trippier preferred to Adam Wharton and Kobbie Mainoo at central defence, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham joining Foden and Kane on either flank as wingers; Foden and Kane will join Foden on either wing; however it remains to be seen if Saka can hold his own against Serbia in such a high-profile game; however he possessing enough potential in terms of attacking play alone but needs to up his game from early stages if that potential is realized.
Bellingham
England dominate possession but cannot turn that dominance into goals. A fantastic cross from Saka lands in the six-yard box but Bellingham fails to bring it down and send a shot on goal.
Southgate appears to be playing a patient, long game against Serbia as they defend deeply and seek to keep out England. Midfield threats for Guehi, Rice and Alexander-Arnold appear as key contributors.
Serbia are using their height advantage against England to cause havoc during Euro qualifying matches; almost 30% of their goals came via headers – something England will need to keep an eye on during Gelsenkirchen.