Paunovic: We are fully focused on England game

STARA PAZOVA - The head coach of the Serbia men's national football team Veljko Paunovic said on Thursday his players were fully focused on England, their next opponent in the World Cup qualifications.

In the remaining two qualifying games, Serbia face England away on November 13 and Latvia at home on November 16.

"The first game is always the most important one. We are fully focused on England - a team that has already qualified and dominated the qualifications. They have not conceded a single goal and their forwards have been merciless. They will be the toughest possible opponent. But, in football, it is always 11 on 11. Your heart, faith and preparations often make a difference. We want to be brave, intelligent, organised and to believe until the end," Paunovic told reporters in Stara Pazova near Belgrade after officially taking over as Serbia boss.

He went on to provide an explanation of the "Serbian football identity":

"Being organised, disciplined and brave, and demonstrating our talent. Those are four pillars. The order is irrelevant, one of them is always more prominent, but it is only when you connect all four that you get the fifth one - probably the most important one in football - the right for luck to turn in your favour."

"In big games, luck can be the decisive factor, but only if you have met the previous four prerequisites," Paunovic added.