Match Overview
In a decisive World Cup qualifier, England showcased their dominance against Serbia with a commanding 5-0 victory. This match not only highlighted England’s tactical prowess but also exposed Serbia’s defensive frailties. Let’s dive into the player ratings from this one-sided encounter.
Serbia’s Player Ratings
Djordje Petrovic (GK) – 3
While not solely responsible for Serbia’s dismal performance, Petrovic’s goalkeeping left much to be desired. He seemed shaky at times, particularly on England’s third goal, which raised questions about his composure under pressure.
Kosta Nedeljkovic (RB) – 3
Nedeljkovic had a tough time containing England’s attacking threats, especially after Thomas Tuchel’s strategic decision to drop Marcus Rashford appeared to enhance the England side’s dynamic. He was replaced at halftime, suggesting that the coaching staff recognized the need for a change in tactics.
Strahinja Pavlovic (CB) – 4
Pavlovic struggled to keep up with the pace of England’s attackers. Despite showing some moments of defensive solidity, his overall influence was minimal in the context of a heavily overrun Serbia defense. His positioning often left gaps that England exploited.
Milosh Veljkovic (CB) – 4
Veljkovic’s performance mirrored his counterpart’s struggles. Although he attempted to organize the back line, there were too many lapses in concentration that allowed England to capitalize early and often. His effort was commendable, but it wasn’t enough.
Darko Lazovic (LB) – 3
Lazovic faced significant challenges on the left flank, frequently outmatched by England’s right-side attacks. His lack of involvement in offensive play and inability to contain the opposition’s wingers contributed to Serbia’s vulnerabilities.
Nemanja Gudelj (CM) – 4
In the midfield, Gudelj struggled to assert any real control over the game. While he attempted to initiate play, his contributions were often stifled by England’s pressing and quick transitions. There was a noticeable absence of creativity from him.
Sasa Lukić (CM) – 4
Lukić had a difficult outing, lacking the incisiveness required to challenge England’s organized defense. His passing was often safe and predictable, failing to create meaningful scoring opportunities for Serbia.
Dusan Tadic (RW) – 5
As one of the few bright spots for Serbia, Tadic tried to create chances and displayed some skill on the ball. However, his individual efforts were not enough to spark a team revival, and he frequently found himself isolated from his teammates.
Filip Mladenovic (LW) – 4
Mladenovic struggled to make an impact and was frequently outmatched in duels. Though he worked hard, his ability to contribute effectively was overshadowed by the relentless pressure from the England defense.
Alexsandar Mitrovic (ST) – 4
Mitrovic was largely devoid of service throughout the match. As a result, he had limited opportunities to impact the scoreboard. His efforts to drop deep to receive the ball often left the front line lacking support.
Conclusion
This match encapsulated the challenges faced by Serbia against a top-quality England side. With a mix of tactical missteps and individual performances failing to meet expectations, the Serbian team will need to regroup and rethink their strategies ahead of future fixtures. The player ratings reflect the struggles on the pitch as well as the need for a more cohesive unit moving forward.
