England won their fourth World Cup qualifier in a row as they remain top of Group K in an efficient, if unspectacular, victory over Andorra at Villa Park.
The visitors set themselves up in an expected low block to try and replicate their performance against the Three Lions from June in which a lone Harry Kane goal saw England take the points.
There was more dynamism from England today though as Elliot Anderson, with well-played passes, and Noni Madueke, driving down the wing, impressing in the first half. Madueke created the opening goal with a deflected cross that Andorran defender Christian Garcia headed into his own net.
After that England settled into a tepid rhythm of possession with little endgame until Reece James whipped a cross onto the head of Declan Rice, making a run from deep, which resulted in a second goal.
The Three Lions took the points away from Villa Park but questions remain over whether Thomas Tuchel can get the best out of his squad.
Relive the updates from Villa Park below:
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England vs Andorra LIVE
- REPORT: The old-fashioned quality that paints a clearer picture of Thomas Tuchel’s England
- FT England defeat Andorra at Villa Park in World Cup qualifying
- 67' GOAL! Rice heads James' cross into the back of the net (ENG 2-0 AND)
- 53' SAVE! Anderson is denied a goal on debut by Alvarez's quick reactions (ENG 1-0 AND)
- 51' SAVE! Eze's shot is stopped before Rashford shoots wide (ENG 1-0 AND)
- 38’ CLOSE! Kane meets a cross and nods over the bar (ENG 1-0 AND)
- 25' GOAL! Garcia heads in own goal after Madueke cross (ENG 1-0 AND)
The old-fashioned quality that paints a clearer picture of Thomas Tuchel’s England
19:34
,
Miguel Delaney at Villa Park
Thomas Tuchel said he wanted to give his England team more “clarity”, and there is little as obvious in football as whipping a cross into the box.
Such deliveries were for decades the staple of the English game, the articles of faith in the classic 4-4-2, something all the more resonant given that the manager has talked about restoring core values. Meat and potatoes. Get into the mixer. Get the job done.
They were enough here for a 2-0 win over Andorra, as both goals came from deliveries down the right.
Anderson an option for Serbia clash
20:00
,
Mike Jones
Tuchel explained that handing Elliot Anderson his debut today was a test to see if he can play a similar role against Serbia on Tuesday.
Tuchel said: "That was the test for him. We want to have all the options for Belgrade, we thought 'let's try today and see if he is ready'.
“To give him a debut in Belgrade would maybe be unfair because we expect an emotional game and emotional crowd. An excellent performance overall."
More reaction from Tuchel
19:57
,
Mike Jones
The England manager spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live as well saying: "I liked the performance. It was a good performance, a solid performance against a low block.
“The second goal came too late to play with maybe 100% freedom that is needed to score more. We created a lot of chances but didn't convert them.
"We had to wait a long time for the second goal and then we had from the substitutions good energy and then we had the second goal and felt freedom. It was also a signal to the opponent that the game was over.
"In general with the effort and attitude I am totally satisfied and it was a much better performance than in June. It would have be deserved to win 4-0 or 5-0."
James on Anderson
19:52
,
Mike Jones
Reece James was also aksed about the performance of debutant Elliot Anderson.
He said: "He is a phenomenal player. He fully deserves to be here, and he showed that with his performance today.
"I have played against him and I can see what he can do in the Premier League.
“The toughest league in the world - I thought his call-up would come sooner."
Post match reaction from Reece James
19:47
,
Mike Jones
The England right-back told ITV: "Early on in the season, we have not had so many games to find rhythm.
“I started in the right direction, so it is a positive outcome from losing against Senegal.
"When you go into tournaments and you play against different teams and different styles you need to adapt."
Did England play the ball quickly enough?
19:42
,
Mike Jones
That was another criticism of England’s performance this afternoon and Thomas Tuchel addressed it.
He said: "I think we missed the little moments to accelerate the game. Maybe Ebz [Eberechi Eze] didn't have his best day in the number 10, the last pass from Noni [Madueke] wasn't clinical enough and Rashford had good moments but couldn't finish them.
“It's stuff that can happen against a narrow team. The second goal should have come earlier because it gave us a lot of freedom.
"We've learned a lot and I'm glad for the players. Now we will prove a point in Belgrade [against Serbia]."
Tuchel on Anderson's performance
19:37
,
Mike Jones
Elliot Anderson shone on his debut. Yes, England were playing a team that set up in a low block but the Nottingham Forest midfielder proved he can be creative with time on the ball.
Of Anderson, Thomas Tuchel said: "Very good, very very good.
“He was a bit nervous this week but then did good and we said let's try it and he did it.
“That was the test and I think he passed the test. Why should he not play in Serbia [on Tuesday]?"
Did England have the spark Tuchel wanted to see?
19:30
,
Mike Jones
The England manager was asked that question after the game and he told ITV: "I think so, it's difficult because it's a very different crowd to a Premier League crowd.
“I think the energy was right, the quality was there and we should've scored more.
"After the first goal we had 10 or 15 minutes with too many ball losses and lost our focus and concentration but the second half, we found it again and should have scored more."
More from Madueke:
19:25
,
Mike Jones
"We won the game, World Cup qualifier, clean sheet and two goals - I am happy.
"They are tough nuts to crack. When you play against 11 players in 30 metres of space it will be hard for every single team in the world.
"Today was better than the last time we played them, we were more fluid. We should have scored more but overall I am happy with the team's collective performance."
Post match reaction from Madueke
19:13
,
Mike Jones
England forward Noni Madueke spoke to ITV after the game.
He said: "First and foremost, it is good to get the win and a clean sheet. Of course, we knew what type of game it was going to be.
"Sometimes it was frustrating. It is about getting the goals. The team won, so I am happy.
"He [Thomas Tuchel] wants us to be direct. That was a great example of it [England's second goal]. Reece [James] top quality, and it was a great cross and a great finish from Dec [Rice].”
'Anderson did very well' says Keane
19:08
,
Mike Jones
Pundit Roy Keane praised Elliot Anderson on ITV and said he had an impact in the middle of the pitch.
Keane explained: “Anderson did very well.
“Obviously it was an easy game for him because he was always going to have a lot of possession.
“I think Bill Shankly said years ago that a time to judge a player is when he has time on the ball regarding decision making and the pace of a pass, the type of pass and he definitely had an impact.”
England defeat Andorra but lack ruthlessness
19:05
,
Mike Jones
England’s victory may overshadow a fairly lacklustre performance.
Two goals came from seven shots on target but there were plenty of chances wasted from England.
Iker Alvarez made three or four fine saves but too often England lacked a ruthlessness in the final third.
FT England 2-0 Andorra
19:00
,
Mike Jones
England remain at the top of Group K.
They’ve taken 12 points from 12 from their four qualifying matches so far.
Next up is Serbia who are England’s nearest challengers.
A win on Tuesday for the Three Lions will pretty much secure them a place at the World Cup next summer.
Full-time! England 2-0 Andorra
18:50
,
Mike Jones
90+3 mins: There goes the whistle. Some positives for England, some negatives.
Three points and another step closer to the World Cup next year.
Plenty of discussion to have in the aftermath of the game.
Goals from Christian Garcia and Declan Rice have earned England the win. It could have been more but the job is done.
England 2-0 Andorra
18:47
,
Mike Jones
90 mins: Dan Burn is booked for attempted to win a free ball in the box. A 50/50 challenge results in the Andorran defender sprawled on the deck and Burn getting shown a yellow card.
A very harsh decision from the referee.
Three minutes of added time to play.
England 2-0 Andorra
18:41
,
Mike Jones
84 mins: That’s lovely from England. Gordon, Madueke and Morgan Gibbs-White pass the ball around slickly before space opens up for the Nottingham Forest man.
He pokes a shot towards goal but can’t beat Alvarez.
England 2-0 Andorra
18:38
,
Mike Jones
81 mins: There’s certainly more directness from the England subs.
Morgan Rogers runs into the box as Livramento dinks the ball over to him.
The Villa man just can’t bring the ball under control and Andorra clear their lines.
England 2-0 Andorra
18:35
,
Mike Jones
78 mins: Madueke picks out Gordon in the penalty area but the substitute misses his attempted header.
The ball strikes him on the shoulder and Alvarez leaps onto the loose ball.
Gordon was offside anyway so it wouldn’t have counted wven if he’d scored.
England 2-0 Andorra
18:33
,
Mike Jones
76 mins: Marc Guehi is given a loud round of applause as he jogs off the pitch to be replaced by Ezri Konsa.
The noise level goes up another level for his introduction as the Aston Villa man slots in alongside Dan Burn.
England 2-0 Andorra
18:29
,
Mike Jones
73 mins: Livramento curls a cross in from the right now and almost finds Gordon.
The susbstitutes look to combine but Gordon is harried and a free kick is awarded against him as he tumbles to the ground inside the box.
England 2-0 Andorra
18:28
,
Mike Jones
70 mins: Tuchel makes his changes now with Livramento, Gordon and Rogers all brought on.
They replace the duo who combined for the goal as Reece James and Declan Rice trot off, as does Marcus Rashford.
GOAL! England 2-0 Andorra (Declan Rice, 67')
18:25
,
Mike Jones
Here we go!
That’s better. And it’s simple.
Reece James pushes up on the right wing and receives the ball in plenty of space. He whips in a cross and floats it over the head of Harry Kane.
Instead he drops it onto the head of Declan Rice who powers it into the back of the net near the far post.
England 1-0 Andorra
18:22
,
Mike Jones
65 mins: Tuchel is animated on the sidelines as he issues instructions to his substitutes.
Tino Livramento, Morgan Rogers and Anthony Gordon are all getting ready to come on.
England 1-0 Andorra
18:21
,
Mike Jones
62 mins: This is dull from England. Thomas Tuchel looks in disbelief.
They’re not in any danger but they’re not creating anything either.
The crowd are trying to encourage them to go forward more.
England 1-0 Andorra
18:17
,
Mike Jones
59 mins: There’s a bit of a lull from the crowd as England look to regain some control.
Those early chances brought an injection in excitement but the tempo has dipped once more.
England 1-0 Andorra
18:12
,
Mike Jones
56 mins: Andorra are pushing a bit higher trying to get some possession further in England’s half.
That’s leaving space in behind for England’s quick wingers in Rashford and Madueke.
There should be more goals coming if things stay like this.
England 1-0 Andorra
18:09
,
Mike Jones
53 mins: Close!
England’s high press wins the ball back and it gets nudged into the box for Kane.
Kane draws out the goalkeeper and passes the ball to Anderson.
He shoots but Alvarez leaps to the right and palms the ball away. Another great save from the Andorran goalkeeper.
England 1-0 Andorra
18:07
,
Mike Jones
51 mins: Save!
Madueke is the creator again. He collects the ball and drives into the box from the right. The Arsenal winger goes past two defenders and pulls it back to Eze.
Eze takes a touch and shoots only for Iker Alvarez to jump to the right and push the ball wide!
Marcus Rashford recovers it but can’t find the far corner.
England 1-0 Andorra
18:05
,
Mike Jones
48 mins: Harry Kane drifts over to the right and receives the ball from Madueke.
He sends the ball into the box and seemingly wins a corner before getting flagged offside.
Second half! England 1-0 Andorra
18:02
,
Mike Jones
England get the ball rolling for the second half. No changes from Thomas Tuchel at the break.
HT England 1-0 Andorra
17:58
,
Mike Jones
England have dominated this game. They’ve had 83% possession and created six shots.
Three of them have been on target. England have 17 touches inside the opposition box.
Ian Wright and Roy Keane have both said that England need to be ‘brave’ and play without ‘fear of losing the ball’.
That could help them increase the tempo and create more chances.
HT England 1-0 Andorra
17:54
,
Mike Jones
As things stand England are heading for four wins from four in this qualifying campaign.
They’ll remain at the top of Group K on 12 points with Serbia their nearest rivals currently on seven.
The Three Lions play the Serbs in back-to-back games for their next fixtures.
HT England 1-0 Andorra
17:50
,
Mike Jones
Half-time! England 1-0 Andorra
17:46
,
Mike Jones
45 mins: No added time at the end of this first half and Enlgand walk down the tunnel with a slender lead.
They’ve been more direct today than they were in the meeting back in June but Tuchel will want to draw more out of his players.
Elliot Anderson and Noni Madueke the standouts so far.
England 1-0 Andorra
17:44
,
Mike Jones
44 mins: Lee Dixon is crying out for England to move the ball quicker on ITV commentary.
The Three Lions have had the most success driving down the wings and sending in crosses.
Everything needs to be half a second faster though, quick passes and movement will help break down this low block.
England 1-0 Andorra
17:41
,
Mike Jones
41 mins: Madueke desperately tries to get around Ian Olivera but the defender is strong.
He holds off the winger and wins his team a goal kick. Madueke goes down and wants a free kick which isn’t going to happen.
England 1-0 Andorra
17:39
,
Mike Jones
38 mins: Close!
England play the corner ball short and take their time before Eze curls in a cross.
He finds Kane who wins the header and turns the ball over the crossbar!
England 1-0 Andorra
17:38
,
Mike Jones
37 mins: Madueke takes on three defenders before releasing the ball to Anderson.
England switch the play out to the left where Rashford and Rice play a one-two.
Biel Borra leaps into a tackle and pokes the ball out for a corner.
England 1-0 Andorra
17:37
,
Mike Jones
34 mins: Andorra have a rare foray up the pitch and come sweeping across the field before attacking down the left.
England recover possession quickly though and it’s business as usual.
Elliot Anderson isn’t best pleased with Dan Burn. He has repeatedly told the centre-back that a pass into Eze’s feet is on but Burn hasn’t played it yet.
England 1-0 Andorra
17:34
,
Mike Jones
31 mins: Eze attempts to squeeze into the box from the right as the ball is played over the top.
He wins a corner, England’s first of the game.
England 1-0 Andorra
17:29
,
Mike Jones
28 mins: That goal might just open things up for England.
Andorra know they won’t be able to win this game but they may want to try. If so they’ll have to commit more men forward which will leave gaps for England’s wingers.
GOAL! England 1-0 Andorra (Christian Garcia OG, 25')
17:26
,
Mike Jones
There’s the opener!
Noni Madueke makes the goal after darting into the box and lifting a cross towards goal.
Christian Garcia leaps to clear the danger but flicks the ball on and guides it perfectly into the far corner of his own goal.
England take the lead.
England 0-0 Andorra
17:25
,
Mike Jones
24 mins: Chance!
Reece James bombs forward on the right and cuts the ball into the box. Kane keeps it alive and the ball squirts to Eze.
He takes a touch and shoots only for his effort to get blocked by Max Llovera.
England recycle it and work the ball across the six yard box. Kane has drifted to the back post and lunges to the ball but can’t reach it.
England’s best moments so far.
England 0-0 Andorra
17:23
,
Mike Jones
21 mins: Madueke tries to inject that pace with a drive down the right wing.
He puts the defenders on edge and has a willing runner in Eze but his through ball is hit too hard and goes out for a goal kick.
England 0-0 Andorra
17:21
,
Mike Jones
18 mins: Andorra limited England for almost an hour when the two sides met back in June.
They’ll be hoping to do something similar today. England have made a decent start but need more urgency and pace in possession.
England 0-0 Andorra
17:16
,
Mike Jones
15 mins: Shot!
Another nice but of play from Anderson. He receives the ball in the middle and plays a pass through the lines.
Eberechi Eze collects it and turns towards goal before fizzing a low effort at goal which Iker Alvarez scoops up without too much trouble.
England 0-0 Andorra
17:12
,
Mike Jones
12 mins: Chance!
The first sight of goal, unsurprisingly, comes to Harry Kane.
Reece James brings the ball forward then rolls it inside to Elliot Anderson. The midfielder threads a pass into the box and Noni Madueke darts in from the right.
The ball is blocked and bounces to Kane who controls it then rolls a shot into the hands of the Andorran goalkeeper.
England 0-0 Andorra
17:10
,
Mike Jones
9 mins: Declan Rice makes a nice run down the inside left channel and Rashford spots him.
He dinks an aerial pass over the nearest defender but there’s too much on the pass and Rice can’t reach it before it runs out for a goal kick.
England 0-0 Andorra
17:06
,
Mike Jones
6 mins: A touch over five minutes into this game and the match is developing as expected.
Andorra are defending very. very deep and England are probing for opportunities to get into the box.
Thomas Tuchel is sat on a cool box next to the dugout watching the game.
He’ll want a bit more energy from his team.
England 0-0 Andorra
17:04
,
Mike Jones
3 mins: Oh hello!
There’s an early shout for a penalty after Marcus Rashford receives the ball on the left wing.
He weaves and tricks his way into the penalty area before losing possession under a decent tackle. He goes down and asks the question about a spot kick but the referee isn’t interested.
Kick off! England 0-0 Andorra
17:02
,
Mike Jones
Andorra get the ball rolling at Aston Villa. It’s knocked all the way back to Iker Alvarez who fizzes a long ball over to the left.
England win it in the air and collect possession. They look to attack on the right side with Noni Madueke driving into the box and running the ball out for a goalkick.
England vs Andorra
16:55
,
Mike Jones
The players make their way out onto the pitch at Villa Park.
Harry Kane leads out England who look quite confident and relaxed.
Elliott Anderson is handed a senior debut and will look to impress in the middle of the pitch.
Kick off is up next...
Almost time for kick off
16:52
,
Mike Jones
England are expecting Andorra to set up with a low block and plenty of men behind the ball today.
This will be a test for the forward line and creative players with Thomas Tuchel hoping to see ‘intensity’ and ‘energy’ from the team.
The Three Lions have won three out of three qualifiers so far. Can they add a fourth victory?
Tuchel on playing at Aston Villa
16:45
,
Mike Jones
The England head coach said: "We are excited to play at Villa Park, another stadium full of history.
"I know from my own visits to the stadium this season that it is capable of creating an outstanding atmosphere and is located close to St. George's Park which is a positive for our preparation.
"We hope to be able to generate another special atmosphere and create a memorable occasion for all fans."
How Thomas Tuchel is warding off complacency in the England dressing room
16:40
,
Miguel Delaney
Thomas Tuchel says that his players must “love” playing for England rather than just like it, and that he specifically cut the size of squads in order to start fostering a sense of competition.
The German has clearly been focusing on sharpening intensity and warding off complacency, as his side host Andorra at Villa Park in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday.
The last match between the countries ended in a tepid 1-0 win for England in Barcelona in June, where Tuchel admitted that the right energy did not translate from training.
Fans flocking to Villa Park
16:35
,
Mike Jones
The fans are making their way to Villa Park for this one. Kick off is just under half an hour away.
Six in a row for Kane?
16:30
,
Mike Jones
Harry Kane has been involved in 54 goals in 38 qualifying matches for major tournaments (Euros/World Cup), scoring 43 and assisting eleven.
He’s also looking to score in six consecutive appearances for the Three Lions for a fourth time – something only achieved six times by all other players in England’s history.
No joy for Andorra
16:25
,
Mike Jones
England come into this match in fourth in the World Rankings.
Andorra have played 46 matches previously against nations ranked inside the top-20 at the time of the game and have lost all 46 by an aggregate score of 168-5.
Tuchel praises 'energy, the quality and the attitude'
16:20
,
Chris Wilson
In his press conference yesterday, Thomas Tuchel mentioned he was particularly impressed with the “energy, the quality and the attitude within the group”.
“"I'm very happy with how they have welcomed the newcomers and I'm happy with how the newcomers have presented themselves both on and off the pitch.
"It is not the moment to speak about individuals, everyone is doing good and it is a really good atmosphere,” he added.
He also mentioned that Harry Kane will start for the Three Lions, adding: “We have a condensed camp and that means we will start with the team that we trust and the best team possible.
“We will not get caught up in experiments and everything that counts is today and tomorrow.”
Thomas Tuchel targets ‘more enthusiasm’ from England against Andorra
16:15
,
Chris Wilson
Thomas Tuchel likened the challenge of breaking down Andorra to “chewing gum” and wants England to show “more enthusiasm” than they did against the minnows in June’s narrow win.
The road to next summer’s World Cup continues with Saturday’s Villa Park clash against the 174th-ranked side before attention turns to Tuesday’s tough-looking trip to Serbia.
It would be an almighty shock if England head to Belgrade on the back of anything other than a victory considering Andorra have lost all seven of the nations’ previous meetings without so much as scoring a goal.
Mixed results at Villa Park
16:10
,
Mike Jones
This is England’s first international game at Villa Park since a goalless draw with the Netherlands in February 2005.
The Three Lions have won four of their nine games there (four draws, one defeat).
It is their lowest win ratio on a home ground they’ve played more than three games at (44.4%).
Andorra's starting XI
16:06
,
Mike Jones
Andorra XI: Alvarez; Borra, Llovera, Garcia, Olivera, San Nicolas; Rodrigo, Babot, Vales, Cervos; Cucu
Subs: Pires, Ruiz, Da Cunha, Rebes, De las Heras, Vales, Lopez, Alexandre Martinez, Rubio, Buillen, Da Silva, M Garcia
A lack of goals
16:05
,
Mike Jones
Andorra have gone 14 competitive matches without scoring a goal (two draws, 12 defeats) since an Albert Rosas goal against Israel in June 2023.
That is a run of 21 hours and 38 minutes without finding the net.
Should they fail to score in this game, it would be their second run of 15 games without a competitive goal (also between 2010 and 2013).
Dan Burn has ‘no hard feelings’ towards Alexander Isak despite switch to Liverpool
16:00
,
Mike Jones
Alexander Isak left a final “thanks for the memories” in the Newcastle United whatsapp group, to be met with all “positive” messages from those who responded, Dan Burn has revealed. The England centre-half even said the controversy brought his club squad “closer” together, as he added there was no “animosity” towards the new Liverpool striker.
Isak’s desire to leave Newcastle for Anfield formed the saga of the summer, and it has been reported that some players were “let down” by the situation. Burn nevertheless illustrated a pragmatic view, even if, “as a Newcastle fan”, he wanted Isak to stay.
Good memories against Andorra
15:54
,
Mike Jones
Before the meeting of these two teams in June this year, England had enjoyed a fine run against Andorra.
Even though they were victorious last time out a 1-0 win was seen as a struggling performance by the Three Lions.
That is because they had won their previous two matches against Andorra by comfortable margins.
The two fixtures from 2021 ended in 4-0 and 5-0 victories for England who were under the stewardship of Gareth Southgate at the time.
Will they notch up a big score at Villa Park today?
