England extended their lead at the top of the Group K with a comfortable 2-0 win over Andorra in World Cup qualifying. Thomas Tuchel’s side retained their perfect record through four matches as they hope to soon book their place for next year’s tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
An own goal from Christian Garcia gave the hosts at Villa Park the lead on 25 minutes, with Noni Madueke’s inviting cross headed into his own net by the Andorra defender.
Declan Rice doubled the lead in an improved second half, meeting Reece James’ perfect cross as he crashed into the area, before the hosts at Villa Park saw out an unadventurous victory.
Here, Express Sport takes a look at England’s stars against Andorra…
England player ratings vs Andorra (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Jordan Pickford – 6
Had little to do but another clean sheet in the books further cements Jordan Pickford’s place as number one ahead of the World Cup.
Defence
Reece James – 8
Made a couple of smart crosses, which were England’s best source of attack, including the assist for Rice’s header. He looked assured as he staked his claim to battle Trent Alexander-Arnold for a starting spot under Tuchel.
Marc Guehi – 7
Dealt with any minor threat that Andorra posed and is a clear first-choice option for Tuchel now. There has been no impact from his failed Liverpool transfer and Marc Guehi was steady as ever.
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Dan Burn – 6
Was afforded plenty of time on the ball in a clear Andorra game plan to man-mark the other nine outfield players. Needed to move possession more quickly and was given a late yellow card for his troubles.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6
An underwhelming evening for the young Arsenal man, who has been ousted at his club at left-back by Riccardo Calafiori. That spot is very much up for grabs for England, however, but Tino Livramento and Djed Spence are breathing down his neck.
Midfield
Elliot Anderson – 8
On his England debut, the Nottingham Forest midfielder looked completely at home and was willing to take the onus upon himself to make something happen. Should have scored from point-blank range but an incredible save from Iker Alvarez somehow palmed his effort away.
Declan Rice – 7
Made little impact before arriving in the box to head home James’ stunning cross and looked much more comfortable when joining the attack, as opposed to sitting in front of the defence as he had been doing for the majority of the game.
Eberechi Eze – 6
Linked up with new Arsenal team-mate Rice well on occasion, but blazed over from inside the box with acres of space. He was thankful to look up and see that Rashford had been flagged offside already. A mixed day at Villa Park that will give the likes of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Morgan Gibbs-White plenty of encouragement that they can steal the number 10 spot back.
Attack
Noni Madueke – 8
One of the more positive sparks on his favoured right flank and his cross led to the opening goal. The Arsenal man is proving to be a very able deputy for Bukayo Saka, for club and country, but his ambitions will undoubtedly be much higher.
Harry Kane – 5
A rare quiet evening for the England captain, who was unable to seriously test the Andorra goalkeeper or get involved in much of the play.
Marcus Rashford – 5
Made a bright start but faded as the game went on and struggled to get the better of Biel Borra, after being handed a chance at redemption by Tuchel. Will be disappointed he did not hit the back of the net shortly after half-time, firing an effort wide from inside the area after a sizzling dribble from Madueke. Was taken off after England netted their second.
Substitutes
Anthony Gordon (68′) – 6
Nearly got on the scoresheet shortly after coming on, but was thwarted by another good Alvarez save.
Tino Livramento (68′) – 7
Made a smart ball inside the box to fellow substitute Morgan Rogers and did not miss a step when replacing James at right-back. Popped up in the area to get on the end of Gibbs-White’s cross but somehow the ball evaded Harry Kane.
Morgan Rogers (68′) – 7
Ran well against tired legs and will be pushing for a start against Serbia on Tuesday.
Ezri Konsa (76′) – 6
Had a few impressive touches after replacing Guehi, having been given a standing ovation at his home stadium.
Morgan Gibbs-White (78′) – 6
Combined well with Anthony Gordon and Madueke before firing a late effort at the goalkeeper.