England vs Serbia: Build-up as Three Lions return to World Cup qualifying action

'Tuchel's remit is to win World Cup'

England v Serbia (19:45 GMT)

Paul Robinson

Former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

Thomas Tuchel's remit is to win the World Cup.

He has had a slight bit of criticism for leaving players out, he has had criticism for how England played in the friendly against Senegal, but he is here to win the World Cup.

I don't think he is here to make friends. He is very single-minded, and he knows what he wants to do.

'Noise around the England fans'

England v Serbia (19:45 GMT)

Phil Jones

Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

I remember a time when Wayne Rooney was walking off the pitch and said something about the fans.

There was a lot of noise around the England fans and players are aware of that. Thomas Tuchel has been asked a question about the fans and he has responded.

If England play well in games like tonight, the fans will be there with them - trust me.

How many teams come to Wembley and camp in their own box? Sometimes the fans want to see four or five goals in half an hour and football doesn't work like that.

'Like a chess match'

England v Serbia (19:45 GMT)

England

England defender John Stones, speaking to ITV about what the Three Lions need to do: "Not to take the foot off the gas - keep improving and keep that winning mentality.

"It is a difficult one with how they play, new manager, trying to figure out what they're going to set up like and what they're going to bring differently from the previous game.

"It will be like a chess match in the first few minutes. It is a good challenge for us to take on as well. We know they're fighting for something so important to their country."

'We're running out of matches'

England v Serbia (19:45 GMT)

England

More from England boss Thomas Tuchel, speaking to ITV1 on if those players not picked for this squad have run out of time: "We have just one more camp. We should have a wildcard in the Premier League or the Champions League but we don't. We are running out of matches to try things but every player has a chance. They compete in the best leagues in Europe. Performance and attitude will always be rewarded."

On how close Danny Welbeck was to a recall: "Very close. But I felt even without knowing him I know what he can give us. Do I really need to see this in November? Everything I hear about him is highest praise. I felt I already know what he can give us."

On Ollie Watkins' absence: "We gave Ollie a rest because he played with discomfort lately. Why risk it? He was sad but he understood it."

On where he sees England compared to other World Cup contenders: "There will be some good teams competing with us I am afraid. We need to make sure we are ready. We had amazing training session yesterday, today we have a strong squad and face a Serbian team that really needs it. For them it's a final."

On if training just as important as games: "We have not a lot of training sessions. We came on Tuesday, most players played Sunday. We had one training session, packed a lot into it but the level and commitment was outstanding. It gives me such a good feeling.

"The way they are now and the way they come to camp, the hunger to be in the squad is exciting as a coach. It's what you wish for and I hope we can show it again."

On if he wants to stay beyond the World Cup: "The press asked me, I was polite to answer. Now we do the match."

What will atmosphere be like?

England v Serbia (19:45 GMT)

Another decent effort by England fans.

This is an 80,000-plus sell-out at the national stadium despite England having already qualified with two matches to spare.

What will the atmosphere be like?

After last month's win over Wales at Wembley, Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel said: "I love English football and I love English football fans and the support they give, but I think the atmosphere did not match the performance on the field.

"We had excellent support in Serbia, but [here] we were 3-0 up after 20 minutes, we had ball win after ball win after ball win and I felt like why is the roof still on the stadium? That's just it, it's nothing big.

"We will do everything again to be infectious, there's no problem. I'm sure we will get everyone going - it is on us. But tonight I was a little underwhelmed."

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