England beat Andorra in World Cup qualifier at Villa Park
Garcia own goal & Rice header give dominant Three Lions victory
England are top of Group K with four wins from four
FT: England 2-0 Andorra
Image source, Getty ImagesThat's all for this page. England move to 12 points from 12 in World Cup qualifying with a routine win over Andorra and face a much tougher task on Tuesday in Serbia.
Thanks for joining us and for your comments. Bye for now.
FT: England 2-0 Andorra
England
England boss Thomas Tuchel, speaking to BBC Radio 5 live: "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."
On Elliot Anderson's debut: "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."
FT: England 2-0 Andorra
Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Villa Park
England overcame stubborn resistance from Andorra to record a fourth successive victory under head coach Thomas Tuchel in World Cup qualifiers.
In what was effectively an encounter of defence against attack, England once again laboured for long periods before finally making their quality count against the minnows ranked 174th in the world.
Tuchel gave a debut to Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, who was one of the more impressive performers in a largely drab encounter at Villa Park.
England broke the deadlock after 25 minutes when Andorra defender Christian Garcia headed Noni Madueke's cross past keeper Iker Alvarez into his own net.
Andorra's defensive ranks held firm, helped by keeper Alvarez when he saved superbly from Anderson, until Declan Rice headed in Reece James' fine cross at the far post after 67 minutes.
England now move on to what will be the toughest test of Tuchel's reign so far when they face Serbia in Belgrade on Tuesday.
Comment at the top of this page, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
I watched the women's rugby. Sounds like I made the right choice.
Paul, Cardiff
England beat Australia and set up a Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Scotland.
FT: England 2-0 Andorra
Matt Upson
Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live
I think it was a great opportunity for England to move into the next game.
Like Thomas Tuchel said, that's going to be a much bigger challenge.
Deal with the atmosphere there. It will be the first big test for him as a head coach in an international game.
Image source, Getty ImagesComment at the top of this page, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
You know, if the players spent as much time practicing their on pitch performance as they do their post game “PR” speak, we might get somewhere.
Kevin
If only there was someone English who was creative and played with freedom and has already demonstrated an ability to make chances and break teams down. Maybe he has four assists in two games. Nah, I can’t think of anyone either!
Andy
FT: England 2-0 Andorra
Phil Jones
Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live
I think Elliot Anderson has the ability to play as a six and an eight.
Looking at him today, I love the maturity he plays with.
He played really well today, he impressed me in the under-21s in the summer. He was that focal point and he is a leader out there
Hopefully, he can stay fit and have a really good season. He played like he knew he belonged there.
FT: England 2-0 Andorra
Matt Upson
Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live
The frustration Thomas Tuchel will feel is realising that it's difficult to play in these matches.
He will not have experienced anything like this in consecutive fashion.
It is new for Tuchel. He is on that learning curve.
I don't think there is something that jumps out that tells you he is going to go this way.
Image source, Getty ImagesComment at the top of this page, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Not sure what all the doom and gloom is about. Had plenty of chances tonight just didn't take them. Kane at the back post, Elliot, Eze had a couple of good chances. Three points and move on. Looking forward to seeing Elliot against Serbia who are a step up in quality.
Ken, Rotherham
Too many irrelevant international matches. To be honest, who is bothered by this and what on earth can be learned that we don't already know?
Carl
This result and performance was entirely predictable, sadly.
Roger
FT: England 2-0 Andorra
England
Image source, Getty ImagesEngland manager Thomas Tuchel speaking to ITV on if there was a spark for England: "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."
On Elliot Anderson debut: "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]?"
On not playing quick enough: "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]."
FT: England 2-0 Andorra
England
Image source, Getty ImagesEngland defender Reece James, speaking to 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."
On Elliot Anderson: "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."
On the game: "When you go into tournaments and you play against different teams and different styles you need to adapt."
FT: England 2-0 Andorra
Matt Upson
Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live
It is hard to learn a lot from this game. I think he [Thomas Tuchel] will learn that he likes Elliot Anderson.
He gets about the pitch, and he looks for action. He goes searching for a bit of action. He is that type of player. I thought he had an excellent game in the heart of midfield.
FT: England 2-0 Andorra
England
England's Noni Madueke, speaking to BBC Radio 5 live: "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."
On Elliot Anderson: "I knew he was top before because when we play Nottingham Forest he is always so good. I knew he'd play like that, he was amazing and looked at home."
FT: England 2-0 Andorra
Roy Keane
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder on ITV
If you can't play with freedom against teams like Andorra, you're in trouble. I still think England were still a little bit tight in their passing.
FT: England 2-0 Andorra
Phil Jones
Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live
Image source, Getty ImagesI have to defend England a bit, it is so difficult to play against.
It is difficult to find space. At times you have the centre-halves in positions where they could have a pop at goal.
A difficult game and not one which will go down in history.
FT: England 2-0 Andorra
Matt Upson
Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live
It was a tough watch and not the riveting edge of your seat type of game.
If I'm honest, it is a step too far to expect that in this fixture, but you want to see a bit more...
You want to see something a bit more from England in terms of aggressive decisions. The simple things in the game created something – top quality done in a world-class way is hard to play against.
FT: England 2-0 Andorra
England
Image source, Getty ImagesEngland midfielder Elliot Anderson, speaking to ITV: "It was good out there and I enjoyed it. We knew they would be hard to break down. I should have scored, but next time hopefully."
FT: England 2-0 Andorra
Roy Keane
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder on ITV
[Elliot] 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.
FT: England 2-0 Andorra
England
Image source, Getty ImagesEngland forward Noni Madueke, speaking to ITV: "First and foremost, it is good to get the win and a clean sheet. Of course, we knew what type of game it wad 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].
FT: England 2-0 Andorra
England top of the group with maximum points. Next up is Serbia in Belgrade on Tuesday.
If the Three Lions win that one they will be eight points clear at the top. Remember, only the winners qualify automatically with second place getting in as one of 16 nations in the play-offs, with only four of them progressing.
Declan Rice - congratulated by England captain Harry Kane - headed the second goal
At a glance
England head coach Thomas Tuchel gave a debut to Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson
England took the lead after 24 minutes when Andorra's Christian Garcia header Noni Madueke's cross into his own net
Declan Rice doubled England's lead in the second half with a header from Reece James' cross
England overcame stubborn resistance from Andorra to record a fourth successive victory under head coach Thomas Tuchel in World Cup qualifiers.
In what was effectively an encounter of defence against attack, England once again laboured for long periods before finally making their quality count against the minnows ranked 174th in the world.
Tuchel gave a debut to Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, who was one of the more impressive performers in a largely drab encounter at Villa Park.
England broke the deadlock after 25 minutes when Andorra defender Christian Garcia headed Noni Madueke's cross past keeper Iker Alvarez into his own net.
Andorra's defensive ranks held firm, helped by keeper Alvarez when he saved superbly from Anderson, until Declan Rice headed in Reece James' fine cross at the far post after 67 minutes.
England now move on to what will be the toughest test of Tuchel's reign so far when they face Serbia in Belgrade on Tuesday.
Tuchel's England reign continued to follow a familiar pattern in World Cup qualifying. Victory was secured, but it was a performance marked by a lack of inspiration and sparkle.
England, inevitably, dominated possession but end product was a rare commodity and they struggled for ideas as they tried to break through the wall of yellow shirts assembled in front of them at Villa Park.
Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson provided one of the more positive performances in midfield, but this was another stodgy England performance under Tuchel.
It took an own goal from Andorra's Garcia to provide the breakthrough in the first half, but even then England struggled to find the ingenuity to seriously trouble Andorra until Rice arrived at the far post to make double their lead.
England are now in a strong position at the head of qualifying Group K, but they have barely been tested so far in their two wins against Andorra, scoring only three goals in those games, as well as victories over Latvia and Albania.
It would be a failure of mammoth proportions should England not reach next summer's World Cup, but Tuchel's time in charge so far has failed to raise a ripple of excitement.
England went on a lap of honour in front of of what was left of the crowd at Villa Park, but they will have to be much superior against Serbia in the hostile surroundings of Belgrade.
Thomas Tuchel's England side now travel to face Serbia in Belgrade on Tuesday aiming to make it five wins from five in World Cup qualifying.
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| |
3 Luxembourg | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
|
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
4 Kosovo | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | -4 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| |
4 Belarus | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| |
4 Azerbaijan | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | -5 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 0 |
| |
4 Bulgaria | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
4 Armenia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | -5 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 1 | 10 | 7 |
| |
| 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 7 |
| |
| 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 7 |
| |
4 Lithuania | 4 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 3 |
|
5 Malta | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 12 | -11 | 2 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 1 | 9 | 12 |
| |
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 9 |
| |
| 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 6 |
| |
4 Cyprus | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 3 |
|
5 San Marino | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 18 | -17 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 2 | 11 | 12 |
| |
2 Israel | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 6 | 5 | 9 |
|
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 6 |
| |
4 Estonia | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 13 | -8 | 3 |
|
5 Moldova | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 14 | -12 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 6 | 5 | 10 |
| |
| 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 8 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 4 | 7 | 7 |
| |
4 Kazakhstan | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 3 |
|
5 Liechtenstein | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 14 | -14 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 12 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 7 |
| |
| 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 5 |
| |
4 Latvia | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 4 |
|
5 Andorra | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 10 | -10 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 6 | 5 | 12 |
| |
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 1 | 12 | 9 |
| |
3 Montenegro | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 6 |
|
4 Faroe Islands | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 3 |
|
5 Gibraltar | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 16 | -14 | 0 |
|
Manager: Thomas Tuchel
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Koldo Álvarez
Formation: 5 - 4 - 1
Manager: Thomas Tuchel
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Koldo Álvarez
Formation: 5 - 4 - 1
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