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:
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 ParkThomas 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.
The old-fashioned quality that paints a clearer picture of Thomas Tuchel’s England
Anderson an option for Serbia clash
20:00 , Mike JonesTuchel 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 JonesThe 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 JonesReece 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 JonesThe 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 JonesThat 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 JonesElliot 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 JonesThe 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 JonesEngland 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 JonesPundit 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 JonesEngland’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 JonesEngland 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 Jones90+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 Jones90 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 Jones84 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 Jones81 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 Jones78 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 Jones76 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 Jones73 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 Jones70 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 JonesHere 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 Jones65 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 Jones62 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 Jones59 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 Jones56 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 Jones53 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 Jones51 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 Jones48 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 JonesEngland get the ball rolling for the second half. No changes from Thomas Tuchel at the break.
HT England 1-0 Andorra
17:58 , Mike JonesEngland 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 JonesAs 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 Jones45 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 Jones44 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 Jones41 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 Jones38 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 Jones37 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 Jones34 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 Jones31 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 Jones28 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 JonesThere’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 Jones24 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 Jones21 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 Jones18 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 Jones15 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 Jones12 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 Jones9 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 Jones6 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 Jones3 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 JonesAndorra 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 JonesThe 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 JonesEngland 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 JonesThe 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 DelaneyThomas 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.
How Thomas Tuchel is warding off complacency in the England dressing room
Fans flocking to Villa Park
16:35 , Mike JonesThe 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 JonesHarry 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 JonesEngland 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 WilsonIn 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 WilsonThomas 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.
Thomas Tuchel targets ‘more enthusiasm’ from England against Andorra
Mixed results at Villa Park
16:10 , Mike JonesThis 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 JonesAndorra 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 JonesAndorra 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 JonesAlexander 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.
Dan Burn has ‘no hard feelings’ towards Alexander Isak despite switch to Liverpool
Good memories against Andorra
15:54 , Mike JonesBefore 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?
England team changes
15:52 , Mike JonesThomas Tuchel makes seven changes from the team that last lined up for England.
Jordan Pickford returns in goal with Reece James, Marc Guehi and Dan Burn rejoining Myles Lewis-Skelly in the backline.
Declan Rice keeps his place in midfield and is joined by Elliot Anderson who makes his senior international debut.
Bukayo Sake, Anthony Gordon and Conor Gallagher all drop out as Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford come in to play either side of Eberechi Eze.
Harry Kane leads the line as usual.
England line-up to face Andorra
15:47 , Mike JonesEngland XI: Pickford; James, Guehi, Burn, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Anderson; Madueke, Eze, Rashford; Kane
Ready to face Andorra 💪 pic.twitter.com/BGAwJAdMYQ
— England (@England) September 6, 2025
England's unbeaten streak
15:42 , Mike JonesEngland are unbeaten in their last 34 World Cup qualifiers with 26 wins and eight draws.
Their last defeat was a 1-0 loss at Ukraine in October 2009.
At home, they’re unbeaten in their last 30 (27 wins, three draws) since losing 1-0 to Germany in their final game at the old Wembley in October 2000.
Burn has eyes on the World Cup
15:36 , Mike JonesDan Burn has his sights set on earning a place in the World Cup squad which, he admits, looked ‘a long way off’ not too long ago.
The Newcastle defender added: “On a personal level, I’m probably playing the best football that I have in my career. I feel really good physically and I’m in a good place mentally where I’m up for the challenge.
“As I said, in my very first camp, the World Cup was something that was not even close to being on my radar but now we’re in camp three and building towards it.
“I just want to try and implement what the gaffer’s asking of me in the team and just trying to play as well as I can so I keep getting picked for these camps.”
Dan Burn on returning to England set up
15:30 , Mike JonesNewcastle defender, Dan Burn, joins up with the national side for the third time in his career and has been revealing how it feels to play for England.
He said: “I think the first camp was amazing to be there but I feel like the more camps I go on now, I feel more confident in my own ability to play at this level.
“I think it’s the unknown until you come here and you’ve played a game – you don’t really know if you can do it.
“But now that I’ve done it and I’m starting to build up the camps – I think it’s camp three now and three to go – I feel like I should be here and deserving a place.”
Ruben Loftus-Cheek only looking forward after returning to England squad
15:24 , Chris WilsonRuben Loftus-Cheek says he is now at “peace with the past” after his serious Achilles injury threatened to derail his career.
The AC Milan midfielder is back in the England squad for the first time since March 2019 after getting a late call-up for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.
The now 29-year-old was a big part of the national squad under Sir Gareth Southgate when he ruptured his Achilles in a post-season charity match for Chelsea against New England Revolution in the summer of 2019.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek only looking forward after returning to England squad
A terrible run of form
15:18 , Mike JonesAndorra have lost their three away matches against England by an aggregate score of 15-0.
Without a goal in seven matches against the Three Lions, the only other nation they’ve faced that often without scoring against is Iceland (also seven).
World Cup preparations underway
15:12 , Mike JonesThomas Tuchel says he will start a team he ‘trusts’ against Andorra this evening as preparations for next year’s World Cup ramp up.
The head coach explained: “It’s World Cup season. We have a condensed period of three camps, the competition is on and that means we will start with a team that we trust and with the best team possible for this game and then we will manage the second game.
“We will not do it backwards and manage theoretically, a more difficult away game than a home game. We will not start getting caught up in experiments like this. We do our assessment after the match and see who’s available.
“The players will start anyway to play two matches a week and three matches a week after international camp, so I don’t see a problem why they cannot start one week earlier and play Saturday, Tuesday.”
Tuchel on reasons for John Stones' withdrawal
15:06 , Mike JonesThomas Tuchel explained that John Stones withdrew from the England squad on Friday with minor muscle issues.
The decision was made not to frustrate the injury niggles any further and Stones has gone back to Manchester City.
“Unfortunately, John Stones just left,” Tuchel said at a press conference yesterday.
“He came with minor issues – muscle issues – to camp and didn’t progress as we thought and hoped he would, so he left camp this morning because we will not take the risk up against Andorra and also unfortunately, not against Serbia.”
John Stones withdraws from England squad due to injury
15:00 , Mike JonesThomas Tuchel has confirmed defender John Stones has withdrawn from the England squad through injury.
The 31-year-old was selected for this month’s World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.
Stones has not added to his 83 caps since last October and his first camp under Tuchel has come to a premature end.
England vs Andorra
14:54 , Mike JonesEngland have won all seven of their matches against Andorra without conceding a single goal.
They’ve only faced Luxembourg (9/9) and San Marino (8/8) more often while winning every single game.
Will the Three Lions triumph again this afternoon?
Tuchel on progress of his England team
14:48 , Mike JonesSince Thomas Tuchel took over as England head coach there is a slight perception that the team isn’t progressing as fluidly as they’d like.
It’s an opinion not shared by Tuchel who was asked his thoughts on the team’s development ahead of this game.
He said: “I’m happy with where I am at the moment. There was a lot of learning for us and for me personally in the first two camps. It’s never about what you did, it’s always about what you do in the moment and then to go forward and progress and get better.
“I’m happy where I am and I’m happy where the team is. We can feel it that it’s a change of attitude if you finally arrive in the World Cup season.”
England's previous results
14:42 , Mike JonesToday’s game will be England’s fourth World Cup qualifier during this campaign.
They have won their previous three.
The first was a 2-0 victory over Albania at Wembley with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane getting on the scoresheet.
The second was a simple 3-0 triumph over Latvia with Kane scoring again this time aided by Reece James and Eberechi Eze.
Their third win was against Andorra away from home at the beginning of June. A long season seemingly took its toll on Thomas Tuchel’s men though Kane managed to find the net again to ensure a 1-0 win.
Djed Spence on his England call-up: ‘I have a mental note of people who doubted me’
14:36 , Lawrence OstlereDjed Spence doesn’t write down the names of his critics in a little black book, but he certainly remembers them. “I have a mental note of people who doubted me,” he says, “and it does feel good to prove them wrong.”
Like his former manager at Middlesbrough, Neil Warnock, who publicly criticised his commitment and said he’d end up playing in non-league. Spence later tweeted Warnock with that famous picture of himself smoking a cigar as he celebrated promotion to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest.
Or Antonio Conte, who declared Spence was not a signing he personally sanctioned when Tottenham recruited the full-back in a £12.5m deal, and called him an “investment by the club”. The words stung.
Djed Spence on his England call-up: ‘I keep a note of people who doubted me’
How can I watch it?
14:30 , Mike JonesViewers in the UK can watch the match on ITV1 and ITVX, with coverage starting at 4pm BST.
When is England vs Andorra?
14:24 , Chris WilsonEngland’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra kicks off at 5pm BST on Saturday 6 September at Villa Park in Birmingham.
Predicted England XI
14:18 , Chris WilsonEngland XI: Pickford; James, Guehi, Konsa, Lewis-Skelly; Anderson, Rice; Madueke, Eze, Gordon; Kane.
England's early team news
14:12 , Chris WilsonTuchel has handed Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Tottenham’s Djed Spence their first England call-ups, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been drafted into the national setup for the first time since 2019. All three could be in line to feature, while Tuchel also confirmed that Harry Kane will start in his press conference yesterday.
In terms of absences, Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold is a notable omission from the squad, while Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer are also missing after sustaining muscle injuries in the Premier League last weekend. Alexander-Arnold’s teammate Jude Bellingham is also injured.
Marcus Rashford is back in the fold, however, with the on-loan Barcelona forward joining the likes of Kane, Eberechi Eze and Ollie Watkins in the attacking ranks.
Thomas Tuchel reveals England’s Mason Greenwood stance as Jamaica pursue switch of allegiance
14:10 , Mike JonesEngland manager Thomas Tuchel has not spoken to Mason Greenwood and made clear the Marseille forward is not in his thoughts.
The 23-year-old was suspended by Manchester United in January 2022 over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online.
Greenwood faced charges including attempted rape and assault, but the Crown Prosecution Service announced in February 2023 that the case had been discontinued.
Thomas Tuchel reveals Mason Greenwood stance as Jamaica pursue switch of allegiance
England vs Andorra
14:06 , Chris WilsonEngland are back in action as they play host to Andorra in their latest World Cup qualifier.
Thomas Tuchel’s side emerged slender 1-0 victors the last time the two nations met but it was the Three Lions who nevertheless came under fire for their performance, failing to impress against a much inferior side.
The ex-Chelsea manager will hope for a far improved outing on home soil as they look to ramp up momentum for the 2026 World Cup.
England have not played since June’s damning 3-1 loss to Senegal at the City Ground, which saw Tuchel’s winning start to life as boss come to an end.
Good afternoon
14:00 , Chris WilsonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of today’s World Cup qualifying match between England and Andorra at Villa Park.
The Three Lions are looking to make it four wins from four in Group K as they continue preparations for the 2026 World Cup, with Thomas Tuchel beginning to mould his squad ahead of the tournament starting in June next year.
And we’ll have all the latest team news and updates from Villa Park right here.
Thomas Tuchel has a clear England vision - but one major change is needed at World Cup 2026
Friday 5 September 2025 16:51 , Chris WilsonThomas Tuchel says England’s players need to “drop their club hats” as he insists his true England football team will start to be seen over this international break, but admitted that the Club World Cup has influenced his thinking on preparation for a hot summer next year. Tuchel acknowledged the team would not be able to play in the same way in different parts of America, as he marvelled at just how much variety there is in the international game now.
He said that the camp for next week’s matches at home to Andorra and away to Serbia will primarily be about developing a plan to open up a 5-4-1 low block, but also while incorporating it into a longer-term system. Tuchel said that one consequence of a difficult June break was to strip down the squad, as he also stressed that all decisions - like leaving out Trent Alexander-Arnold - were ultimately “competitive”.
Tuchel has a clear England vision - but one major change is needed at World Cup 2026
