Harry Kane Strike Keeps England Perfect as Tuchel's Men Edge Andorra in Drab World Cup Qualifier
England Scrapes Past Andorra in World Cup Qualifier Relocated to Barcelona
No one expected much of a spectacle from England versus Andorra, but this latest World Cup qualifier might have set a new standard for lacklustre. The small principality's home ground wasn't up to FIFA’s demands, so the teams faced off in a mostly empty stadium in Barcelona instead. From the start, England had all the ball but just couldn't click—and that uneasy feeling never really faded for fans or players.
Thomas Tuchel’s men came into the game confident, having won every qualifier so far. Still, it took them until the 50th minute to find a real breakthrough. Harry Kane, always lurking in the right place, met a sharp cross from Noni Madueke and poked it home from close range. If it wasn’t for Andorra defender Max Llovera’s mishit clearance, though, Madueke never would have gotten the space to lay that ball on a plate for England’s star striker.
Despite the win, you’d be hard pressed to call this a convincing show. England kept the ball pinned in Andorra’s half for large stretches, but whenever it came to the final pass, it all felt a bit off. Jude Bellingham and Madueke both sent warning shots at Andorran goalkeeper Iker Álvarez, but the young shot-stopper turned in a solid first half—getting in front of everything England threw at him.
While Andorra’s approach was exactly what you’d expect—two banks of five, clear the ball, repeat—they made England work for absolutely everything. Players like Curtis Jones, Dan Burn, and Cole Palmer couldn't help but blend into the background. England needed a moment of quality, and it finally came from Madueke, the only player really running at defenders and trying to make things happen. Even then, he missed a late one-on-one chance that could’ve put the matter to bed.
Tuchel’s England Enjoy Results, But Not the Applause
The scoreboard says six points in three games for England, putting them at the top of Group K, ahead of Albania and Latvia. For Tuchel, it’s all about keeping up momentum and not dropping silly points. But the way England are playing, you have to wonder when performances will catch up with expectations. There was frustration in the camp—this wasn’t a vintage outing, and it’s clear England have bigger challenges ahead.
Tuchel’s style should bring energy and high pressing, but with Monday’s lineup, only Madueke brought that spark. Some regulars looked out of sync, while new faces failed to give Tuchel food for thought. From a tactical perspective, England were rigid and slow in attack, sometimes running out of ideas around the box. The hosts, meanwhile, snatched at rare chances to break forward but never really tested Dean Henderson.
- Harry Kane’s goal came from England’s only shot on target in the second half.
- Iker Álvarez’s saves kept the score respectable for Andorra.
- The game’s venue move to Barcelona was less atmospheric and perhaps played a part in England’s flat energy.
- With six points, England lead Group K, ahead of Albania and Latvia.
Fans may walk away without much to remember, but Tuchel’s team keeps cruising—at least on paper. The real question: can England find rhythm before they face stiffer opponents?