Serbian Star’s Serious Injury Halts England Match Forcing ITV Into Crucial Decision
During the recent England vs. Serbia soccer match at Wembley, a serious knee injury to Serbian midfielder Ivan Ilic disrupted the game. The incident occurred in the first half, with England leading 1-0 following a goal by Bukayo Saka.
Ivan Ilic’s Injury Details
In the 36th minute, while contesting the ball, Ilic seemed to get his studs caught in the pitch, resulting in immediate discomfort and a fall to the ground. This prompted Marcus Rashford to rush over and call for medical assistance.
ITV’s Response
Due to the severity of Ilic’s injury, ITV decided against airing a replay of the incident. Sam Matterface, the lead commentator, indicated that it was a deliberate choice, stating that replaying the injury would not be appropriate given its severity.
Match Background
- Date of Match: 13 November 2025
- Location: Wembley Stadium, London
- Initial Score: England 1, Serbia 0
- Scorer: Bukayo Saka (28th minute)
As the match progressed, Ilic was escorted off the field by Serbian medical staff and replaced by Aleksandar Stankovic. This substitution occurred shortly after the injury incident, marking a significant moment in the game.
England Pre-Match Context
Leading up to this match, England had already secured qualification for the upcoming World Cup in North America by defeating Latvia 5-0 on 19 October 2025. This factor alleviated pressure on the team during the qualifier against Serbia.
Other Injury Scares
Earlier in the game, Saka himself experienced a minor injury scare after limping post-goal. He signaled to the bench for a possible substitution but later addressed his discomfort by changing his boots during a stoppage in play.
Ilic’s injury casts a shadow over the match and raises concerns for his future appearances. As the sporting community awaits updates regarding his condition, both teams continue to focus on their respective campaigns.
