England’s 5-0 Rout of Serbia: Referee Lookalike Ignites Viral Frenzy

By Jayson Panganiban September 11, 2025 15:45

On September 9, 2025, England’s Three Lions delivered a masterclass in their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Serbia, securing a commanding 5-0 victory at Wembley Stadium. The match, part of UEFA’s Group G campaign, showcased England’s attacking flair and defensive solidity, with Harry Kane netting twice, Bukayo Saka adding a screamer, and Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins rounding out the scoreline. Yet, while the result solidified England’s position at the top of their group, it was an unexpected figure who stole the spotlight: referee István Kovács, whose uncanny resemblance to Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard sparked a viral meme storm across social media. The blend of football brilliance and internet hilarity has made this match a talking point far beyond the pitch.

From the opening whistle, England asserted dominance. Kane’s header in the 12th minute, assisted by Jude Bellingham’s pinpoint cross, set the tone. Saka’s 25-yard curler in the 32nd minute drew gasps from the 82,000-strong crowd, and Palmer’s cool finish before halftime put the game out of reach. Watkins and Kane added second-half goals, while Serbia, led by Dusan Vlahović, mustered just three shots on target, per UEFA’s match report. England’s 68% possession and 21 shots underlined their superiority, extending their unbeaten run to six matches in qualifiers. “We’re clicking at the right time,” interim manager Lee Carsley told Sky Sports. “The lads are hungry, and we’re building momentum for 2026.”

Statistically, England’s performance was a statement. Their five goals matched their highest-scoring qualifier since a 7-0 thrashing of Montenegro in 2019. Kane’s brace brought his international tally to 68, just five shy of Cristiano Ronaldo’s European record. The clean sheet, anchored by Jordan Pickford’s crucial save on Vlahović, marked England’s fourth in five matches. “This team feels different—more clinical,” said BBC pundit Gary Lineker, who praised Carsley’s attacking setup. With 15 points from six games, England lead Group G by four points over Ukraine, virtually securing a World Cup berth with four matches to spare.

But the footballing masterclass was nearly overshadowed by an unlikely star: referee István Kovács. The Romanian official, known for his no-nonsense style, became an internet sensation when fans noticed his striking resemblance to Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard. Social media exploded with memes, from side-by-side photos to edited images of Kovács in an Arsenal kit. One X post by @FootyMemes, which garnered 1.2 million views, captioned a clip of Kovács brandishing a yellow card: “Trossard moonlights as a ref and still bosses the pitch!” Another, from @ThreeLionsFan, quipped, “Kovács is Trossard’s twin—does he take free kicks too?” By match’s end, #TrossardRef was trending worldwide, with 300,000 mentions, per X analytics.

Kovács, 41, took the attention in stride. “I’ve heard about the memes,” he told UEFA’s post-match presser, chuckling. “I’m flattered to be compared to a player like Trossard, but I’ll stick to refereeing.” His performance was flawless, issuing just two yellows and correctly waving off a dubious Serbian penalty appeal, earning a 7.8/10 rating from referee analyst Mark Halsey. Yet, the lookalike saga amplified the match’s reach, with clips circulating on TikTok and Instagram, drawing younger fans to a qualifier that might otherwise have faded from headlines.

The viral moment underscores football’s unique ability to blend sport with culture. England’s dominant display was a serious step toward the 2026 World Cup, hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. But the Trossard-Kovács phenomenon added a layer of levity, reminding fans why football thrives in the digital age. “It’s brilliant how a ref can become a meme star,” said Arsenal fan Sarah Collins, quoted by The Sun. Posts on X also highlighted Trossard’s own amusement, with the winger reportedly liking several memes from his verified account.

As England prepare for their next qualifier against Albania, the focus will shift back to football. Carsley’s squad, blending veterans like Kane with young stars like Palmer, looks poised for a deep World Cup run. Yet, the Serbia match will be remembered as much for its goals as for its unexpected internet darling. Kovács, whether he likes it or not, has cemented his place in football folklore. For fans, it’s a reminder: sometimes, the beautiful game is as much about the laughs as the scoreline.