Thomas Tuchel’s England limped to another forgettable win against Andorra as World Cup qualification resumed with a whimper at Villa Park.
A season that the Euro 2024 runners-up hope to end with glory in North America began with an often frustrating but ultimately fruitful time against the side ranked 174th in the world.
It was far from a rip-roaring display, but there was no repeat of the boos heard following June’s reverse fixture in Barcelona as England triumphed 2-0 in Birmingham thanks to Christian Garcia’s own goal and a Declan Rice header.
Tuchel has overseen victory in all four qualifiers in charge and now turns his attention to their toughest Group K assignment away to Serbia on Tuesday, when the manager expects to face another low block.
The England boss likened breaking down well-drilled Andorra to “chewing gum” on the eve of a match they started with the dominance you would expect against Europe’s fourth worst side.
Much like in Barcelona, they struggled to create a swathe of clear-cut chances but there was a slightly sharper performance.
England made the breakthrough when Garcia turned Noni Madueke’s cross into his own net in the 25th minute, with their other goal also arriving from a cross as Rice headed home Reece James’ exquisite ball in the 67th minute.
