England – Possible Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
Pickford; James, Konsa, Stones, Burn; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane
Key points:
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Defence:
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Reece James’ inclusion offers both defensive solidity and attacking width on the right.
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Ezri Konsa partners John Stones — a composed pairing with good ball distribution.
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Dan Burn at left-back adds height and aerial strength but slightly reduces England’s attacking thrust down that flank.
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Midfield:
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Rice and Anderson (likely Elliot Anderson) form a balanced duo — Rice anchoring, Anderson offering energy and progressive carries.
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Could also shift to a 4-3-3 with Bellingham deeper if England want more control.
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Attack:
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Saka and Rashford stretch play wide, both capable of cutting in to support Harry Kane, who leads the line.
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Bellingham as a No.10 provides creativity, pressing intensity, and late runs into the box.
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Tactical outlook:
Expect England to dominate possession, using width and patient build-up. Bellingham’s freedom between the lines and overlapping full-backs will be key against Serbia’s mid-block.
Serbia – Possible Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
Petrovic; Mimovic, Milenkovic, Pavlovic, Terzic; Gudelj, Lukic; Zivkovic, Samardzic, Kostic; Vlahovic
Key points:
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Defence:
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Milenkovic and Pavlovic form a strong, physical central duo.
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Terzic offers attacking runs on the left, complementing Kostic’s width.
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Midfield:
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Gudelj and Lukic will aim to shield the defence and disrupt England’s rhythm.
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Samardzic (Udinese/Inter creative midfielder) brings flair and long-range threat in the advanced midfield role.
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Attack:
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Zivkovic and Kostic provide width and crosses — ideal for target man Vlahovic, whose finishing and physical presence are Serbia’s main weapons.
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Tactical outlook:
Serbia will likely look to sit compact and spring forward through Kostic’s pace and Vlahovic’s hold-up play. Set pieces could be a major weapon.
Overall Match Snapshot
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England: More technical control, superior attacking balance.
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Serbia: Dangerous on transitions, physically imposing, and capable of punishing lapses.
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Key battle: Rice/Bellingham vs Gudelj/Lukic — control of midfield tempo.
