A perfect record of played four, won four, scored eight and conceded none would appear to suggest that the Three Lions are sailing through Group K, and whilst there's every likelihood England will qualify at a canter, nor can anyone turn away from just how poor they've been under Thomas Tuchel.
Win over Andorra asks more questions than it answers
A 2-0 win against Andorra was, like the 1-0 victory in June, little more than a bore-fest. No zip or verve to their attacking play against the whipping boys of the group - ranked 147th in the world - asks more questions than it answers.
11 shots in the game was the lowest England had managed against a team outside the top 100 since March 2011, against Wales, so if Tuchel wants to even get close to his stated aim of going all the way in America next year, there's an awful lot of improvements that need to be made between now and then.
The manager's suggestion that England may well look to bring long throws and long balls out from the back into vogue is also perhaps an acceptance that the short, sharp passing game isn't necessarily something that works with this group of players.
Whether a more traditional English style of play will find favour with the supporters after a modern outlook under Gareth Southgate will be interesting to ponder over the coming months.
Serbia also unbeaten in qualifying
Serbia are also unbeaten in the group and haven't conceded, and sit second by virtue of having played a game less than England and drawing one of their qualifying matches to date.
On that basis alone, it's clear that they will provide a much sterner test for the Three Lions, not to mention that they should have Aleksandar Mitrovic ready to give England's back four a busier than usual 90 minutes.
The striker has eight goals in his last seven appearances, though oddly enough, he had 24 shots against England custodian Jordan Pickford during his Premier League career - more than against any other keeper - and didn't manage to score with any of them.
Luka Jovic and Dusan Vlahovic started up front in Serbia's most recent game - a 1-0 qualifying victory over Latvia - and both could certainly lead the line again should Dragan Stojkovic decide to start with the same formation.
Premier League players Nikola Milenkovic and Sasa Lukic will also be able to offer up some dressing room intel, giving the Serbian's more than a puncher's chance of getting something out of the game.
Partisan home crowd expected
Not to mention that Belgrade's Rajko Mitic Stadium will be full to capacity for the visit of Tuchel's side, and the atmosphere is likely to be a partisan and hostile one, though one which it's hoped doesn't boil over and result in further sanctions from the governing bodies.
"The Football Association of Serbia is under UEFA and FIFA scrutiny, as well as the history of various incidents that have made us subject to UEFA and FIFA disciplinary measures - we appeal to supporters to send out an image to the world that will make us all proud," a statement released ahead of the game read.
Giving the home support any excuse to get behind their players might well see Serbia in the ascendancy too, as they feed off the energy in the stadium. A stadium where Serbia haven't conceded a goal in their last five matches, which included games against Spain, Austria and Denmark.
Furthermore, the hosts have lost just one of their last 28 WC qualifiers (W19, D8), which came via a 3-0 loss to Belgium way back in 2012.
Bellingham the hero last time out
Only once have the two teams met before, when Jude Bellingham's diving header was enough for an England win in EURO 2024; however, the Real Madrid powerhouse will again be missing in Tuesday's match as he attempts to recover from injury.
Elliot Anderson was hugely impressive during the Andorra game, and his 93.9% pass accuracy in that game was the most of any player who had made more than 100 passes. Ezri Konsa's perfect 100% completion was notable but also a little misleading in that he only played 18 passes during his cameo appearance.
Tuchel surely can't countenance taking Anderson out of his midfield, though one or two other players might consider themselves lucky to get another start.
Both Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford were found wanting for long periods against Andorra, and against the biggest threat to England finishing top of the group, Tuchel can't afford to have any passengers.
A tight game in prospect
The losses of Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer - certain starters under normal circumstances - can't be underplayed, of course.
It's not too much of a stretch to say that the latter two give the Three Lions much of their creative presence, and without them and a rampaging Bellingham to make those devastating late runs into the box, England's play is likely to be a little one-dimensional.
The match is sure to be another tightly-contested affair with the odd goal likely to be the difference on the night.
