ENGLAND’S World Cup qualifier with Serbia in September has been switched to Belgrade – as the Balkan side eye an upset.
Thomas Tuchel’s men had been expected to travel to Leskovac, a city of just 125,000 inhabitants 175 miles south of the capital on September 9.
England were set to play in a tiny stadium in Leskovac[/caption]
The match has been moved to the Rajko Mitic Stadium[/caption]
Notoriously noisy ground is home to Red Star Belgrade[/caption]
But in a surprise U-turn, Serbian FA chiefs contacted Wembley bosses to inform them of the change in venue.
Instead of playing in the 8,000-capacity Dubocica Stadium, England will now have to stand firm in the face of nearly 50,000 home fans at Red Star’s Rajko Mitic Stadium.
The ground is known as one of the most intimidating in Europe and is nicknamed the “Marakana”.
Three days after the trip, England host Andorra at Villa Park.
In a statement, the Serbs explained: “After a detailed analysis, which, in addition to the sporting aspect, organisational and security segment, also included consultations with UEFA, it was concluded that the Rajko Mitic stadium, as the largest football facility in the country, will provide our national team with optimal conditions for playing matches of high importance.”
England have not played in Belgrade since a decisive European Championship qualifier in 1987.
Goals from Peter Beardsley, John Barnes, Bryan Robson and Tony Adams inside the first 24 minutes earned a 4-1 win over Yugoslavia.
The change of venue ensures they will face a fiercely partisan crowd, with the Serbs doubtless having taken some confidence from England’s narrow squeak past minnows Andorra and friendly defeat by Senegal.
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Serbia are third in Group K with four points – five behind 100 per cent England – from their goalless draw in Albania and 3-0 home win over Andorra.
Their home game against Albania in October has also been moved to the capital.
