Thomas Tuchel has said that England’s youngsters will have no fear against Serbia and backed his team to make a statement in their daunting World Cup qualifier in Belgrade.

Sitting in a small room overlooking the pitch at the imposing Rajko Mitic Stadium, there was a sense of Tuchel geeing himself up as he looked outside and took in his surroundings before previewing the clash on Tuesday between the two strongest sides in Group K.

England’s head coach is under pressure to produce a standout performance despite starting qualifying with four wins from four. The football has been uninspired at times – England underwhelmed in attack during their 2-0 victory over Andorra at Villa Park last Saturday – but Tuchel believes facing Serbia in a ferocious atmosphere can ignite his reign.

“It is always the opportunity and I’ll always see it like this,” the German said. “This game is the opportunity and I think it will bring out the best in us that we are here in Belgrade.”

Harry Kane and Tuchel both mentioned the intimidating nature of the tunnel, which is the longest in Europe at 240 metres. “The tunnel is not so agreeable,” Tuchel said. “But that’s what it’s all about now. It’s nice, you’re in this country, this sporting nation, full of emotional people, full of quality in every sport – especially in sports that have a ball.

“They are so talented and determined. That’s the beauty of it and if you want to go to a World Cup and to play for the national team, experiencing this is the beauty. Tomorrow is one of these nights. And we’re up for it.”

England, who top the group by five points, are missing a host of key players and are short on experience. There could be another start in midfield for Elliot Anderson, who impressed on his debut against Andorra, while Morgan Rogers, Tino Livramento, Morgan Gibbs-White and Myles Lewis-Skelly do not have many caps between them. Yet Tuchel, who said that Marc Guéhi has shaken off the groin issue that forced him off against Andorra, believes his players will rise to the occasion.

“Afraid of nothing,” Tuchel said. “The group was excellent throughout the week and everyone deserves to play. It is good, we have some difficult choices and some narrow decisions to make. We will have a strong bench and age is not decisive.”

Tuchel hopes that Jordan Henderson can play a vital leadership role even if the veteran midfielder is not in the starting lineup. “Jordan has played here, Harry [Kane] has played here and they have talked already about it,” he said. “The spectators will be emotional, they will be loud.”

Thomas Tuchel is missing a host of key players for the match against Serbia. Photograph: Kin Cheung/AP

The expectation is that England will face another deep five-man defence. Tuchel is working on creative solutions. He is without Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka but believes that their replacements will not be weighed down by anxiety.

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“When the chance comes you have to take it or other guys will come and take your place,” Tuchel said. “That is the nature of elite sport. I think it has been an excellent camp with an excellent group. They are all very confident and eager to play.”

This is England’s first trip to Belgrade since facing the old Yugoslavia in 1987. Tuchel’s players have held a meeting about the possibility of racist abuse from the crowd. The stadium’s capacity has been reduced by 15% because of fan behaviour when Serbia faced Andorra in June.

Branko Radujko, general secretary of the Football Association of Serbia, has used his programme notes to urge spectators not to spoil tonight’s occasion. “In addition to the spectacle we expect on the pitch, let me draw attention to something just as important: behaviour of all of us in the stands,” he said. “This match of truth also carries great responsibility.

“We are still under special monitoring of Uefa. Every inappropriate reaction, insult or incident could cost us dearly on our path to the USA, Mexico and Canada, including the possibility of having to play a decisive match with Albania behind closed doors.

“That is the reason I sincerely and seriously call on you: let us cheer from the heart but let it be fair. We can be loud but dignified. Let our support be a source of strength, not a risk for the national team.”