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Eberechi Eze was outstanding in the 2-0 win over Serbia, scoring in stoppage time and looking like England’s most natural left-sided attacker throughout. His ability to glide past players, link with Jude Bellingham and carry the ball through pressure gave England a completely different dynamic.

Some fans are already asking the question: on current form, is Eze ahead of Marcus Rashford in that left-wing pecking order? Last night certainly added weight to the argument.

Eberechi Eze's goal wasn’t just a moment of individual brilliance - it was confirmation of how comfortably the Arsenal player now fits into this England team.

Playing in his preferred left-sided role, he constantly drifted into pockets Serbia couldn’t track.

This is now several England games in a row where he’s looked composed and influential, and the numbers from last night back it up.

England

England goalscorer Eberechi Eze, speaking to ITV: "Another good performance. I'm happy to score and help the team which is important."

On if Phil Foden's assist was key to his goal: "It was. These types of players are always going to put the ball in the right position."

On the competition for the number 10 spot: "There's a lot of talent in the team. You can see the players here and the types that aren't here as well. It's the type of competition you want to be up against and it is going to help the team for sure."

On England's World Cup hopes: "We have to be confident, we have to believe it's possible. It's working day by day to achieve that goal."

England manager Thomas Tuchel addressed the challenge of managing so much top-level talent in his post-match press conference, admitting that his job is not simply to build a starting XI, but to build a cohesive team, and that competition for places is exactly what he wants.

Ben Ramsdale
BBC Sport

Phwoar, that is some statement Tom.

You're lucky folk can't bookmark things on here but I do love the optimism.

Let's hear some final words from the boss now before seeing what Thursday night's goal scorers had to say.

England

England manager Thomas Tuchel, speaking about Phil Foden being used as a false-9: "He was excellent. You can see he is full of confidence. He showed it.

"I like to have him in centre of pitch in close connection with other players. He did well. It is a big ask to challenge Harry [Kane] at the moment. He is in the shape of his life. But to be an accomplice and share some minutes, then he is an option.

"You can see he is full of confidence. You can see it in the first minutes when you meet him. You feel he is light and he is smiling. His movements are a joy to watch, you can see he is competitive."

He added: "Phil is in good shape and Phil can make any team better in an offensive position.

"In a central position that is my belief and my trust - he is all smiles. He is full of confidence and you see it in the first touches and the movement."

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Phil Jones
Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

I think it was a dominant performance without it being a vintage England performance.

England created quite a few chances on a number of occasions.

I do think there was a 15 minute spell where Serbia had a a couple of chances and against stronger opposition England could have conceded a goal.

England

England boss Thomas Tuchel, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live about Morgan Rogers starting over Jude Bellingham: "It is normal, but he's one of the best mates of Jude, so I don't think he feels that kind of pressure.

"They compete at the moment for the same position and they're still friends. They are very respectful with each other and like each other. Morgan deserved to stay on the pitch because he had three fantastic performances with him and second of all we didn't know what was coming if our plan was right with the high press.

"It would be unfair for Jude to try figure everything out because we changed our way of pressing in the last two camps. Declan [Rice], Morgan [Rogers] and Harry [Kane] did it already in three-four matches together.

"I figured they could adapt a bit quicker. Once we see the formation we can give clear instructions to Phil and Jude and bring them from the bench."

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Paul Robinson
Former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

It was a performance from a team that was shuffled about.

England are playing against tough opposition. Serbia have only lost three of their last 27 World Cup qualifiers away from home.

It was always going to be a tough ask - they're a team who are wounded by England's 5-0 win in Serbia.

It was never going to be easy for England.

England

England boss Thomas Tuchel on the impact of his substitutes: "We had good impact from bench straight away. We brought on quality players and they wanted to show what they could do. They created chances, half chances and scored in the end. You could see the impact and it has to stay like this.

"It is not about building starting eleven. It is about building a team and they buy into it. Put ego behind them because it is the right thing to do for the team."

England

England boss Thomas Tuchel, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "Yes, I liked it [the performance]. It was difficult – sometimes a bit too open, sometimes we had to defend with everything we had, sometimes we needed a bit of luck to force them to shoot wide.

"It is good if everything is not as easy - so we had to wait very long until the decisive goal. Then to make it safe. That is good for us - the effort was good. First half I was very happy with the first half. In the second half we didn't get the pressing always right.

"The game got a little too open because they escaped in a deep build-up against us and had fast attacks that we could completely control in the first half.

"Compliments to the back four. They had to work hard and be focused all the time. Serbia has individual qualities and is also a physical team. They came with a new energy, so well done."

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Ben Ramsdale
BBC Sport

Lovely assist, Jeremy. Let's hear from the England boss now...

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football reporter

• Eberechi Eze: Came on as one of four changes. Showed in flashes why he is so highly rated with some of his trademark dribbling. Finished the game off with an excellent curled striker into the top corner. 7

• Phil Foden: Just as Tuchel hinted, Foden came on as a striker when he replaced Kane. Went looking for the ball and always makes the crowd excited when he gets it. A late assist when he set up Eze on a counter-attack 7
• Jude Bellingham: The Real Madrid midfielder was involved in one particularly good move when he combined with James, as England looked to add to the score. 6
• Jordan Henderson: Came on and took the armband. Played deeper next to Anderson as England completed the job. 6
• Adam Wharton: Came on late, had little time to prove himself. N/A

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