Matt Maher: Serbia stuffing serves both a headache and lesson for Thomas Tuchel

One night, or one match, is usually all it needs to significantly shift perceptions of the Three Lions. Tuchel, despite being only six games into the job, will surely have already learned that by now.

Chances to impress come along so infrequently in international management. England will only play eight more matches before next summer’s World Cup and three of the next four are against Wales, Latvia and Albania, the kind of contests the Three Lions can never really win, even if they win.

Tuesday’s trip to Serbia was seen as the first big test of Tuchel’s reign and it was passed with flying colours.

Granted, the home side couldn’t be classed as Category A opponents, having never progressed beyond the group stage in a major tournament since independence was declared in 2006. 

But they are a handy team on their own patch and the Rajko Mitic Stadium hardly the most welcoming of venues. England played very well.

Most impressive was the fact it was achieved with several players you would consider shoo-ins to be in the squad for next summer.

Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer were all missing this time around through injury.

Elliot Anderson, Morgan Rogers and Noni Madueke grasped the chance to impress in their place and underline, not for the first time, the depth of the talent pool at Tuchel’s disposal.

For the manager it presents both a headache and a lesson.

The headache comes in selecting the best XI when everyone is available. The lesson is the best XI doesn’t necessarily have to contain all the best players.

For England supporters who for years watched in frustration at the never-ending efforts to shoehorn Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard together in midfield, it is a truth already well-known. That doesn’t mean it isn’t one many managers quickly forget.

“I’m always brave,” Tuchel promised this week when the prospect of leaving out a big-name was raised. England's success may depend on him staying that way.