Bukayo Saka Cements England Starting Spot Alongside Harry Kane in Tuchel’s World Cup Plans
Bukayo Saka delivered a masterclass in England’s 2-0 World Cup qualifier win over Serbia on November 13, 2025, at Wembley, scoring the opener and anchoring Thomas Tuchel’s attack in a performance that solidifies his untouchable status. With qualification secured, the Arsenal winger’s goal—his 14th in 47 caps—highlights his evolution into one of Tuchel’s “trusted lieutenants” beside Harry Kane, as the head coach builds a cohesive unit for the 2026 tournament in North America.
Key Match Highlights
- Scoreline: England 2-0 Serbia (Saka 28′, Eze 90′)
- Saka’s Impact: 14th England goal; 200th Arsenal PL appearance milestone (October 2025)
- Tuchel’s Subs: Bellingham, Foden, Eze on at 65’—Eze seals it
- Record: 7th straight qualifying win; 20 goals scored, 0 conceded
- Next: Albania (A, November 16)—Rogers likely starts; Bellingham eyes minutes
Saka’s volley—cushioned off a Rice cross—took his Three Lions tally to 14, surpassing Arsenal legend Cliff Bastin’s 12. Only injury derails his World Cup opener start.
Saka’s Unshakable Role: No Selection Worries for Tuchel
In a squad brimming with talent, Saka stands apart. Tuchel’s Serbia lineup—Rogers at No. 10, Rashford left—left Bellingham and Foden on the bench, but Saka started and starred. His 90 minutes showcased versatility: 92% pass accuracy, 4 key passes, 3 tackles won.
Tuchel post-match: “Bukayo’s vital—proven at club and country. Alongside Harry, he’s immovable.”
Saka’s 2025 form: 12 PL goals (Arsenal’s top scorer); Euro 2025 Golden Boot contender (5 goals). England record: 14 goals in 47 caps since October 2020 debut—fastest to 10 in 22 games.
Kane’s partnership? Seamless. The Bayern striker’s 76th international goal tally (111 caps) pairs with Saka’s creativity: 22 assists combined in qualifiers.
No. 10 battle rages—Rogers (5 starts, 1G/1A), Bellingham (3 starts, 0G), Foden (bench impact)—but Saka’s right flank? Locked.
The No. 10 Conundrum: Rogers vs Bellingham, Foden in the Mix
Tuchel’s Serbia subs at 65’—Bellingham, Foden, Eze—ignited the final quarter. Eze’s 90′ curler (assist Foden via Bellingham) sealed it, but the head coach’s words post-game underscored the midfield crunch.
“Rather than forcing positions for stars, put everyone in their best spot—and compete,” Tuchel said. “No. 10? Friendly rivalry between Jude and Morgan. Foden’s a 9.5—accomplice to Harry.”
Rogers: In possession after September’s 5-0 Serbia rout. 460 minutes (5 starts); 1 goal (Wales friendly), 1 assist. “Energetic, neat touches,” Tuchel praised—nearly assisted Rashford.
Bellingham: Returned post-July shoulder surgery (missed October). 265 minutes (3 starts); wild shot early, but linked for Eze’s goal. “Eager to impact,” Tuchel noted. Madrid form: 38 goals/28 assists in 100 games.
Foden: “Excellent cameo—full confidence.” Central bursts created danger; set-piece threat. City: 12 goals/12 assists (2025/26).
Tuchel: “Not building a starting XI— a team. Ego behind; right for us.”
Pickford: “Variety huge—Kane drops deep; Foden nearly bags two. Depth as Team England.”
Bellingham likely starts Albania; Rogers’ hamstring niggle (November 12) opens door.
Kane’s Hunger: Talisman Tackles and Timeless Class
Kane’s 76th England goal (111 caps) remains elusive in Serbia, but his second-half tackle—regaining possession on the edge of his own box—epitomized drive. “Shape of his life,” Tuchel said.
76 goals: England’s record (surpassed Wayne Rooney, October 2023). 2025 qualifiers: 6 goals (brace vs Latvia, October 14—clinched spot).
Tuchel: “Harry’s immovable No. 9. Foden shares minutes? Option—but challenge him? Big ask.”
Kane: “Match their hunger despite qualification—happy with result.”
Squad Depth: Left-Back Quest, Defensive Solidity
Serbia offered glimpses: Nico O’Reilly’s senior debut at left-back—”accomplished,” Tuchel called it. Central: Ezri Konsa “growing in stature” beside Stones/Guehi.
Rashford left: Sleight-of-foot moments, but end product lacking. Gordon (hip) out; Madueke injured—competition heats.
Tuchel: “Good bench impact—quality wanted to show. Created chances; stays like this.”
England’s run: 7/7 wins, 20-0 GD. Albania finale: Refine, not experiment.
World Cup Vision: Building Brotherhood
Qualification: First European nation (October 14 Latvia 5-0). Group K: 21 pts; Albania (14 pts) plays-offs; Serbia out (10 pts).
Tuchel: “Top countries take it for granted—don’t us. Build team; ego aside.”
World Cup: Pot 1; opener July 12-18, 2026 (Canada/Mexico/USA). 48 teams; England seek first major men’s trophy since 1966.
Saka-Kane axis: Bedrock. No. 10? Merit rules—Rogers’ weight vs Bellingham/Foden magic.
Tuchel: “Team first—right thing.”
England’s depth? “Power that makes us confident,” Pickford said. Wembley roars on.
