England climbed to the top of Group K with a 7-point lead after an impressive 5-0 victory over Serbia, as Thomas Tuchel's era began with a bang in Belgrade, Sky Sports reported. 

First-half goals from Harry Kane and Noni Madueke allowed England to take control of the match, with Tuchel's team playing smoothly and confidently, refuting criticism of their weaker performance against Andorra. Tuchel had feared that Serbia's cautious tactics might cause difficulties, but England broke down their opponents' defense with ease, with center backs Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi adding goals in the second half.

A penalty from Marcus Rashford completed the impressive victory and made the score 5-0, with England now having five wins from five games in World Cup qualifying under their German coach. They have yet to concede a goal in those five games and are in an ideal position to secure their place at next summer's World Cup.

Kane was disappointed not to score against Andorra after five consecutive goals for the national team, but he returned in the 33rd minute with a header from a Declan Rice corner. The second goal came from a more intricate move – Morgan Rogers, who showed strength and skill in the number 10 role, played a delicate pass to Madueke, who beat his marker and lobbed the keeper.

After the break, England picked up the pace despite Serbia's more aggressive play, and any hope of a comeback was dashed when Djordje Petrovic failed to catch Anthony Gordon's shot, and Guehi and Konsa added more goals.

Serbia had not conceded a goal in their previous three qualifying matches and had been unbeaten at the Maracana for two years, but that record was broken even before Nikola Milenkovic fouled Kane, with the Nottingham Forest defender receiving a straight red card.

This further exhausted the Serbs, and Guehi added to their misery before Rashford finished the goal fest with a penalty.

England has not had a 100% record in World Cup qualifiers since the 1950s, when there were only three matches. If they manage to beat Serbia in the rematch, as well as Latvia and Albania, Tuchel will equal that success. | BGNES