How Did Noni and Konsa Score Their First Goals as England Dominates Serbia 5-0?

New Delhi, Sep 10 (NationPress) England made a significant stride towards securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup with an impressive 5-0 victory over Serbia in Belgrade. Harry Kane opened the scoring with his record-extending 74th goal for the national team, followed closely by Noni Madueke netting his inaugural goal just two minutes later with a composed finish.

In the second half, Ezri Konsa added to the visitors’ advantage as the hosts struggled under the bright lights at the Rajko Mitić Stadium. Nikola Milenkovic received a red card for denying Kane a clear scoring opportunity, further complicating matters for Serbia. Marc Guéhi and Marcus Rashford sealed the deal, with Rashford converting from the penalty spot.

This victory keeps England’s perfect record in Group K, giving them a seven-point lead at the top and positioning them strongly for a spot in the World Cup in North America next summer.

Declan Rice was first to test Djordje Petrovic in the sixth minute after a clever one-two with Elliot Anderson, but the Arsenal player's shot from the edge of the area was comfortably saved by the Serbian goalkeeper.

Serbia began to find their footing as the first half went on, with Kosta Nedeljkovic’s deflected shot—though easily saved by Jordan Pickford—showing they were getting closer to troubling England’s defense.

Rice again was pivotal midway through the first half, but Strahinja Erakovic managed to prevent his cushioned header from reaching its intended target.

As Serbia’s resistance weakened, England ramped up their efforts; Anthony Gordon fired a shot straight at Petrovic, and Kane narrowly missed an opportunity from close range following great teamwork from Morgan Rogers and Madueke.

England broke the deadlock just after the half-hour mark when Rice's precise corner found Kane, who expertly headed the ball into the net off the post.

As Kane marked his 74th international goal, Madueke followed suit two minutes later, finishing a beautiful England move instigated by Anderson's pass and Rogers' flick with a delicate lift over the Serbian keeper.

In their last encounter during the Euro 2024 group stage, England edged out Serbia 1-0, but this time around, Tuchel's squad exhibited complete dominance, leading 2-0 at halftime.

The second half resumed with England on the front foot, quickly extending their lead to three goals as Konsa scored from close range after Guéhi kept the ball alive following a shot from Gordon.

Milenkovic was sent off for fouling Kane in the 72nd minute, and Guéhi added another goal just three minutes later from a Rice delivery.

Ollie Watkins thought he had scored a fifth shortly after coming on, but was ruled offside after converting Jarrod Bowen's cross.

However, England wouldn’t be denied as Rashford confidently converted a penalty after Erakovic brought down the energetic Watkins, wrapping up a memorable night for the Three Lions.