England have moved one step closer to confirming a place next summer’s World Cup after maintaining their 100 per cent winning record in qualification.
It is now five qualifiers played for Thomas Tuchel’s side and five wins. 13 goals scored, none conceded and England hold a seven-point advantage over Albania who have emerged as their closest challengers in the group.
Serbia are a point further back and while they have played a game fewer than England, there is plenty of work and luck needed for Dragan Stojkovic’s side to qualify automatically.
That said, England still aren’t assured of a place at the 2026 World Cup despite taking maximum points from their opening five games. However, with three qualifiers remaining Tuchel’s side are on the verge of joining the likes of Argentina, Brazil, Japan and host nations, USA, Mexico and Canada at next summer’s tournament.
When can England qualify for World Cup 2026?
England need two more wins, but the October international break is the earliest they can qualify for the World Cup. This is despite the fact that Tuchel’s side only have one qualifier next month, away at Latvia on October 14.
The Serbia vs Albania showdown three days prior will be of huge interest because if Serbia fail to win and England pick up all three points in Riga then qualification will be secured.
Should Serbia win but then drop points away in Andorra three days later then victory for England over Latvia will also be enough to qualify with two games to spare.
Either scenario would put the Three Lions on 18 points, putting them out of Serbia’s reach, while Albania’s maximum points total, as things currently stand, is 17.
Serbia can delay the inevitable qualification party by winning both of their fixtures in October, but England are ultimately in control of their own destiny as two wins from their remaining three fixtures gets the job done.
