Last month, England became the first European nation to secure a place at next summer's finals, which will be held across Canada, Mexico and the United States. Still, the visit of Serbia to Wembley was an opportunity for Three Lions head coach Thomas Tuchel to assess several of his players.

James was handed a start at right-back and, given licence to advance into the final third, combined neatly with Bukayo Saka, and it was the Arsenal winger who broke the deadlock with a well-taken finish in the 28th minute.

Eberechi Eze added a second in second-half stoppage time as England, for whom Trevoh Chalobah was an unused substitute, made it seven wins from seven, with 20 goals scored and none conceded.

Across the channel, France produced a dominant performance to defeat Ukraine and seal their place at next summer's tournament.

After the visitors to Paris had kept Les Bleus at bay during the first half, a Kylian Mbappe penalty in the 55th minute broke their resistance.

Michael Olise later struck France's second of the night, Mbappe completed his brace late on, and there was still time for Hugo Ekiteke to add a fourth.

Gusto was introduced in the final moments as victory and qualification was celebrated in the French capital.