Seventh victory in seven qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup for England this Thursday against Serbia (2-0). Italy won at the last minute in Moldova (0-2).
The only European nation already qualified before the start of this new day of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, England has not yet rested on its laurels. Opposed this Thursday to Serbia in its Wembley stadium, the selection led by Thomas Tuchel won despite the opposing will (2-0). The Serbs tried everything but this setback definitively eliminates them from the race for the World Cup.
The Three Lions were dominant from the first period with 70% ball possession over the first forty-five minutes. Twice as many shot attempts as their opponents and it is therefore logical that they opened the scoring in this first act. Author of a beautiful and precise cross shot from the left, Bukayo Saka gave his team the advantage just before the end of the first half hour (1-0, 28th).
Thomas Tuchel waited until the hour mark had passed to make four simultaneous changes. Return of Jude Bellingham, but also of Phil Foden. The latter also distinguished himself with a diving header passed just to the right of the opponent’s cage (75th). Entering at the same time as his little comrades, Eberechi Eze was the most decisive. After seeing his shot deflected onto the bar by the opposing goalkeeper (87th), he sent the ball into the back of the net three minutes later (2-0, 90th).
Italy almost in play-offs
Game over for England who will play their Albanian runner-up, assured of second place in Group K, this Sunday away. At the same time, Italy was in Moldova. And it was hard to find the fault for Gennaro Gattuso’s men. In fact, they had to wait until almost the end of regulation time to score. Thus, it was in the 88th minute that Gianluca Mancini finally delivered the Nazionale (0-1, 88th). With the cork removed, Francesco Esposito doubled the transalpine lead four minutes later (0-2, 90th+2).
A more than logical success for an ultra-dominant Italy in all areas of the game (28 shots to 3, 77th% possession, 13 corners to 1). The Squadra Azzurra practically guarantees participation in the play-offs, as they are second in the group, three points behind Norway who they will face on Sunday. But since Erling Haaland and his team have scored seventeen more goals than her, Italy will not finish first.
