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Evening Standard
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Tashan Deniran-Alleyne,Simon Collings and Dom Smith

England vs Andorra LIVE: World Cup qualification result, latest updates and reaction after routine win

England vs Andorra LIVE!

The Three Lions resumed their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign with a 2-0 won over minnows Andorra at Villa Park. After the summer off, Thomas Tuchel had hoped his squad would kick into gear after a frustrating 1-0 win over the microstate in June, which the head coach at the time accused his players of "playing with fire" due to their lack of "seriousness and urgency".

England have won all seven of their previous meetings with Andorra without conceding, extended that record to eight with a comfortable win before Tuesday's tough-looking trip to Serbia. Tuchel likened the challenge of breaking down Andorra to "chewing gum", but there was little threat of England coming unstuck.

With Adam Wharton ruled out with injury, it meant Elliot Anderson was afforded his senior debut. The Nottingham Forest midfielder caught the eye, though it took an own goal and a Declan Rice header for England to make sure of all three points. Follow the game back below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Simon Collings and Dom Smith at Villa Park!

England vs Andorra latest news

  • GOAL! Rice doubles England's lead
  • GOAL! Garcia turns ball into own net as England lead

England player ratings

19:01 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Eberechi Eze 6

Had a shot cleared off the line in the first half and then was denied after the break by a good save. Bright and lively in patches.

Elliot Anderson 7 | Star player

A promising debut from the midfielder, who snapped into tackles and passed the ball well. Blew a great chance to score early in the second half.

Declan Rice 7

Scored with his final touch before being substituted. A strong performance from the midfielder, who played further forward than expected.

Click here for our player ratings in full!

(The FA via Getty Images)

England show improvement

18:59 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

England warmed up for Tuesday night’s World Cup qualifier in Serbia with a 2-0 win over Andorra.

The Three Lions kicked off against Andorra two points clear of their next opponents, who overcame Latvia earlier in the day, but restored the five-point gap after maintaining their 100 per cent winning record in qualification under new head coach Thomas Tuchel.

Full report here!

(The FA via Getty Images)

FULL-TIME

18:51 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

England 2-0 Andorra

Efficiency from the Three Lions as they record a comfortable 2-0 win at Villa Park.

An own goal from Christian Garcia and Declan Rice’s second half header gets the job done for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

Serbia away is next.

England 2-0 Andorra

18:47 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

90 min: More Andorra changes sees Rebes and Rubio replace Cervos and Babot.

Three minutes of additional time signalled.

England 2-0 Andorra

18:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

89 min: Dan Burn is booked for a late challenge in the area.

England 2-0 Andorra

18:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

87 min: Gibbs-White has certainly made a difference since coming on. Great cross-field pass to pick out Livramento whose cross just evades Kane in the middle.

Madueke goes over in the area, but no penalty.

England 2-0 Andorra

18:41 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

83 min: Intricate stuff from England around the edge of the Andorra box, Madueke tees up Gibbs-White who shoots straight at Alvarez.

England 2-0 Andorra

18:39 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

82 min: Latest Andorra change sees Rodrigo replaced by Adrian Gomes.

England 2-0 Andorra

18:36 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

78 min: Brilliant surge forward by Lewis-Skelly from left-back but he is eventually crowded out by Andorran defenders and the attack breaks down.

Did have the opportunity to pass and probably should have taken the option a tad bit earlier.

England 2-0 Andorra

18:34 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

77 min: Madueke picks out Gordon with a fine cross but the winger heads the ball straight at Alvarez. Offside flag went up but he should do better.

Another England change sees Eze replaced by Gibbs-White.

England 2-0 Andorra

18:33 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

75 min: Another England change sees Ezri Konza replace Marc Guehi.

Solid performance from the Crystal Palace captain, even if he had very little to do.

Konza gets a warm welcome from the Villa Park faithful. No surprise there!

Dom Smith at Villa Park

18:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Well England's second goal will keep the critics at bay for another ten minutes. That was a fine header and a superb ball into the box... but they know they must push on and score again.

England 2-0 Andorra

18:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

68 min: That was the last involvement for James and Rice as they’re replaced by Livramento and Rogers.

Gordon is also on for Rashford.

GOAL! England 2-0 Andorra | Declan Rice ‘67

18:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

67 min: ENGLAND SCORE AGAIN

Brilliant cross from Reece James and Declan Rice heads home.

England 1-0 Andorra

18:21 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

63 min: It’s all gone a bit flat for England after such a promising start to the second half. Perhaps Tuchel will freshen things up before too long.

Plenty of options on the bench.

England 1-0 Andorra

18:18 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

61 min: Rashford turns on the afterburners to win England a corner just after the hour mark.

England 1-0 Andorra

18:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

59 min: Double change for Andorra.

R Fernandez and Garcia have been replaced by Lopez and Guillen

Simon Collings at Villa Park

18:12 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Andorra, unsurprisingly, beginning to tire now and spaces are opening up in their defence. England just need to be more clinical and they can help themselves to a few here.

England 1-0 Andorra

18:11 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

54 min: Olivera skies an effort in a rare Andorra attack.

Eze then does the same for England at the other end, but the Arsenal star’s blushes are somewhat spared by the offside flag.

Dom Smith at Villa Park

18:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Early chances come and go in this second half for Eze, Rashford and Anderson. However routine this win will be, it's important for England's attackers to press their own cases to feature more under Tuchel.

They'll be disappointed that it's still just 1-0.

England 1-0 Andorra

18:08 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

51 min: WHAT A SAVE!

Anderson is denied a debut goal by a wonderful save from Alvarez.

England 1-0 Andorra

18:07 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

50 min: It should be two! Madueke puts the ball on a plate for Eze who sees his effort saved by Alvarez.

Ball sets up kindly for Rashford from the rebound but he fails to even hit the target.

England 1-0 Andorra

18:06 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

49 min: Here is an interesting stat, Andorra have not conceded more than three goals in a game in their last 11 internationals.

England 1-0 Andorra

18:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

48 min: Frustration for England as Kane is flagged offside after appearing to have won a corner.

KICK-OFF!

18:01 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Back underway at Villa Park.

First half highlights

17:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Here is the goal that separates England and Andorra at Villa Park!

HALF-TIME

17:47 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

England 1-0 Andorra

An own-goal separates the two sides at the break, England deservedly lead but there are still a number of gears they can go up.

England 1-0 Andorra

17:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

45 min: Madueke has been England’s brightest attacker so far. He forces Alvarez into a parry, Eze thinks he has a simple tap-in but the ball is taken away from him right at the last.

Dom Smith at Villa Park

17:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Cries of "shoot" from some England fans as Jordan Pickford controls the ball on the halfway line. Yep.

England 1-0 Andorra

17:42 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

40 min: Very bold from Madueke to claim Garcia’s goal as his. It was a teasing cross but it would be a massive surprise if it’s credited as a Madueke goal.

England 1-0 Andorra

17:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

39 min: Another short corner routine from England, this one ends with the ball being put in the box but the cross is just behind Kane who can’t guide his header on target.

England 1-0 Andorra

17:37 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

36 min: Not quite the wave after wave of England attacks after taking the lead, but credit to Andorra, they are proving a difficult nut to crack.

Simon Collings at Villa Park

17:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Andorra an ideal team to make your debut against, especially in midfield, but Elliot Anderson has been impressive, so far.

Winning the ball back on the rare occasion lose, and his passing is adventurous.

England 1-0 Andorra

17:33 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

32 min: Lee Dixon has enjoyed Elliot Anderson’s performance so far. The ITV co-commentator believes the Nottingham Forest midfielder should get the England No6 role on a permanent basis.

England 1-0 Andorra

17:31 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

30 min: England’s hunger to win the ball back on show with Kane as he almost forces a second in quick succession but the Andorra players get back in time.

Dom Smith at Villa Park

17:28 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Well that's a stroke of luck for England and a disasterclass from Andorra's No6, as Christian Garcia heads past his own goalkeeper.

Madueke's cross from the right was beckoning for Kane and Rice. Neither could get to it - because Garcia had found the top corner before either of them could.

It's the lead the Three Lions do, in fairness, deserve.

GOAL! England 1-0 Andorra | Christian Garcia own goal ‘25

17:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

25 min: ENGLAND TAKE THE LEAD

Madueke’s cross is headed into his own net by Christian Garcia.

Will the floodgates open now?

Simon Collings at Villa Park

17:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Andorra have got through a quarter of the game, and it's still 0-0. They'll take that, but England are starting to go through the gears now.

England 0-0 Andorra

17:24 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

23 min: England’s best passage of play and it call starts with James whose first cross causes all kinds of chaos and ends with Eze seeing an effort cleared off the line.

James’ next cross just evades Madueke and Kane in the middle.

England 0-0 Andorra

17:23 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

22 min: England dominating possession but they’re moving the ball at a slow pace. Madueke tries to change that with a pass to Eze but he puts the ball out of play.

Dom Smith at Villa Park

17:19 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

England with plenty of intensity inside this opening 20 minutes but it's just the space to exploit which is lacking at the moment. It's a familiar situation for the national team, who must be patient here at Villa Park.

But it's been a bright start, with shots on target from Kane and Eze already.

England 0-0 Andorra

17:18 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

17 min: England play a short corner from which Madueke lets fly from range but his shot is charged down.

Rashford then looks to get in behind the Andorra defence, but the ball over the top is just a little too strong for the Barcelona forward to bring under control.

England 0-0 Andorra

17:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

15 min: Anderson fizzes a pass between the lines for Madueke who in turn feeds Eze who sees an effort deflected before Alvarez collects with ease.

Better from England.

England 0-0 Andorra

17:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

14 min: Nice ball over the top from James for Madueke as England look to quicken up their play. The Arsenal winger can’t bring the ball under full control and Andorra win a goal kick.

England 0-0 Andorra

17:13 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

12 min: Andorra keeper Alvarez gets away with one! New rules state he can’t hold on to the ball for more than eight seconds otherwise he will concede a corner.

Just the 14 seconds he held on to the ball...

England 0-0 Andorra

17:12 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

10 min: First sight of goal for Kane today but the England captain slips as he shoots which makes it a routine save for Andorra goalkeeper Alvarez.

Simon Collings at Villa Park

17:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Looks like England are playing a 4-3-3, but interestingly it is Anderson, and not Rice, at the base of it. Rice playing in a left No8 role.

England 0-0 Andorra

17:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

8 min: Lewis-Skelly puts in a great cross but no England player is there to meet the ball. Kane puts his hands up to acknowledge he should have made the run.

Dom Smith at Villa Park

17:07 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Already in the opening five minutes there is evidence here of England making a point about changing it up in attack.

As well as venturing down both flanks through the wingers Rashford and Madueke, they aren't afraid to go long, as Burn looks to go over the top for Eze, who is just offside. That variation will be important this evening.

England 0-0 Andorra

17:07 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

5 min: It hasn’t taken long for the first yellow card of the game to be shown. Babot goes into the book for a foul on Madueke and that means he will miss Andorra’s next fixture.

England 0-0 Andorra

17:03 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

2 min: England’s next attack comes down the left as Rashford does superbly to wriggle out of a tight situation, he goes down in the box but no penalty is awarded.

England 0-0 Andorra

17:02 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

1 min: England straight on the attack down the right as Madueke has his first 1v1 of the game. Credit to the Andorra defender as he manages to stick with the Arsenal winger and win a goal kick.

KICK-OFF!

17:01 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

We are underway in this World Cup qualifier!

Tuchel explains Anderson start

16:58 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Speaking to ITV before kick-off, Thomas Tuchel explained the decision to hand Elliot Anderson a full senior England debut.

He said: “It was just a moment to give him straight away his debut and see how he copes with it. It's another level of pressure in comparison to the under-21s.

“I think he can be a player for us in midfield."

(The FA via Getty Images)

HERE WE GO!

16:54 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Right then, the two teams have emerged from the tunnel at Villa Park. We will hear the national anthems before things get underway!

How it stands

16:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Currently, England are top of Group K with a two-point lead over Serbia.

The Three Lions can't qualify for next summer's World Cup with a win today, but six points from their next two games will put them one step closer.

No excuses

16:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Roy Keane has made it clear that England can have no exuses today.

He is in no mood to hear about "low blocks" or Andorra "sitting deep".

Hard to disagree!

Dublin receives legacy cap

16:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Touching moment with Dion Dublin as he receives his special England legacy caps.

The former striker, sadly, lost his father on Monday but still had time for a quick chat with ITV before kick-off.

Dublin mentions how vital his father was to him during his playing career and finishes his interview by saying: “Dad, this is for you.”

Not long now!

16:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Kick-off at Villa Park is in around 20 minutes!

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)

Group K result

16:37 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

In the other Group K match today, Serbia have won 1-0 in Latvia thanks to a goal from Dusan Vlahovic.

That win takes Serbia up to second in the table, two points behind England ahead of the Three Lions' clash with Andorra.

This sets things up nicely for Tuesday night’s showdown. Assuming England beat Andorra later, of course.

Simon Collings at Villa Park

16:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Highlights of England's 1-0 win over Andorra now being played on the big screens. Not the most extensive number of clips to pick for it, and a remained of how laboured that victory was.

The home fans will expect much more today.

Team news reminder

16:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Here is how both teams will line-up today.

England XI: Pickford; James, Burn, Guehi, Lewis-Skelly; Anderson, Eze, Rice; Madueke, Kane, Rashford

Substitutes: Konsa, Gordon, J. Henderson, D. Henderson, Spence, Rogers, Livramento, Gibbs-White, Loftus-Cheek, Watkins, Bowen, Trafford

Andorra XI: Alvarez, Vales, Llovera, Garcia, R Fernandez, Babot, Rodrigo, San Nicolas, Cervos, Olivera, Borra.

Substitutes: Pires, Ruiz, Da Cunha, Rebes, De las Heras, Vales, Lopez, Alexandre Martinez, Rubio, Buillen, Da Silva, M Garcia

Dom Smith at Villa Park

16:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Marcus Rashford will this evening become the second player to represent England while at Barcelona, following Gary Lineker.

The other foreign-based player in the squad is late call-up Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who is among the substitutes.

Debutant

16:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Behind the scenes at Villa Park as Elliot Anderson’s shirt hangs in the England dressing room before kick-off.

(The FA via Getty Images)

Eze on his role today

16:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Eberechi Eze starts again today and he’s revealed what is expected of him against Andorra.

“To create,” he said in response to ITV’s Gabriel Clarke before-kick-off.

(The FA via Getty Images)

CONFIRMED ANDORRA TEAM NEWS

16:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Lining up for the visitors...

Dom Smith and Simon Collings at Villa Park

16:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Dom Smith and Simon Collings are in position at Villa Park. They have delivered their thoughts on the England team news...

Andorra team in full

16:00 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Andorra XI: Alvarez, Vales, Llovera, Garcia, R Fernandez, Babot, Rodrigo, San Nicolas, Cervos, Olivera, Borra.

Substitutes: Pires, Ruiz, Da Cunha, Rebes, De las Heras, Vales, Lopez, Alexandre Martinez, Rubio, Buillen, Da Silva, M Garcia

Simon Collings at Villa Park

15:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Feels a big afternoon for England's wide players, Madueke and Rashford. The likes of Palmer and Saka both absent due to injury.

Yes, it is Andorra, but it's still a chance to shine, with limited games until the World Cup.

England team

15:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

An experimental team yet a very strong one selected by Thomas Tuchel given his options.

A first cap for Elliot Anderson is the big news as he joins Arsenal duo Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze in midfield.

It is interesting that three Aston Villa players - Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa are all on the bench.

England team in full

15:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

England XI: Pickford; James, Burn, Guehi, Lewis-Skelly; Anderson, Eze, Rice; Madueke, Kane, Rashford

Substitutes: Konsa, Gordon, J. Henderson, D. Henderson, Spence, Rogers, Livramento, Gibbs-White, Loftus-Cheek, Watkins, Bowen, Trafford

CONFIRMED ENGLAND TEAM NEWS

15:39 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Here is the team that Thomas Tuchel has selected for today's World Cup qualifier...

In position

15:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Why are England playing Andorra at Villa Park?

15:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

England resume their World Cup 2026 qualification campaign today, but have swapped Wembley Stadium for Villa Park.

The Three Lions traditionally play their home games at Wembley, though have in recent years played host at a number of other grounds across the country.

Manchester United’s Old Trafford, Wolves’ Molineux, Leeds’ Elland Road, Southampton’s St Mary’s, Leicester’s King Power Stadium and Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium have all hosted England matches since 2018.

Saturday’s latest trip outside London is due to England not getting top billing at the ‘home of English football’.

READ MORE HERE!

(The FA via Getty Images)

Predicted England XI

15:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Thomas Tuchel is expected to name close to his strongest possible XI for Tuesday’s crunch qualifier against Serbia in Belgrade, so the German could be more experimental against Andorra.

Jarell Quansah is not the only player hoping for a maiden cap, with Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford and first-time call-ups Djed Spence of Tottenham and Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest in the frame for senior debuts.

The England head coach will likely select a 4-2-3-1 formation and may be minded to hand caps to players who do not usually start for their country, such as Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson and Brentford’s summer signing Jordan Henderson in midfield.

Predicted England XI (4-2-3-1): D Henderson; James, Konsa, Burn, Livramento; J Henderson, Anderson; Bowen, Eze, Madueke; Kane.

(ES Composite)

Tuchel must make case for England defence on road to World Cup

15:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

In no area are things more up in the air before the tournament begins than on the topic of who the Thomas Tuchel will pick as his England centre-back partnership at the World Cup, writes Dom Smith.

Not since heading into the 2018 World Cup has it been less clear who will start in central defence for England less than a year out from a major tournament.

Back then, Gareth Southgate, as Tuchel currently is, was heading into his first tournament as England head coach.

More on that here!

(Getty Images)

Today's setting

15:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

A change of scenery for an England international fixture!

(The FA via Getty Images)

England vs Andorra latest match odds

15:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

England to win: 1/100

Andorra to win: 275/1

Draw: 45/1

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).

Head to head (h2h) history and results

15:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

England have won every single meeting against Andorra to date without conceding a goal.

England wins: 7

Andorra wins: 0

Draws: 0

(REUTERS)

England team 'leaked'

15:00 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Elliot Anderson is set to make his full England debut against Andorra today.

That is according to the BBC who have got early wind of the team Thomas Tuchel is set to name and it’s going to be a proud moment for the Nottingham Forest midfielder.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Latest score

14:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

There is one other Group K fixture being played today and it’s half-time in the Latvia vs Serbia clash.

The visitors lead at the break thanks to Dusan Vlahovic’s 12th minute goal.

If Serbia hold on they will move to within two points of England ahead of the 5pm kick-off.

(AFP via Getty Images)

England vs Andorra prediction

14:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Thomas Tuchel will know the tougher test is against Serbia next week. That said, he will have a lot to answer for if the Three Lions fail beat Andorra, and in convincing fashion.

Despite Tuchel being without number of big names, England should win this comfortably, extending their perfect record in qualification under the German tactician.

England to win, 5-0.

Andorra team news

14:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Still no Albert Rosas for Andorra.

England team news

14:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

For one reason or another, Thomas Tuchel is without a host of regulars as the likes of Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham and Levi Colwill are all sidelined through injury.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has not been selected, with Tuchel explaining the new Real Madrid star is behind Chelsea’s Reece James in the pecking order at present.

Adam Wharton has pulled out of the squad because of an adductor injury sustained in Crystal Palace’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa last Sunday, while John Stones had to withdraw on Friday after failing to shake off a knock.

This means Ruben Loftus-Cheek has received his first call-up since 2018 to replace Wharton, while defender Jarell Quansah has been added to the squad.

Elsewhere, Djed Spence and Elliot Anderson could win their first caps at senior level. Noni Madueke impressed against Andorra in the away fixture and has a decent chance of starting alongside the in-form Harry Kane.

(The FA via Getty Images)

How to watch

14:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on ITV. Coverage starts at 4pm BST on ITV1 ahead of a 5pm kick-off.

Live stream: ITVX will offer a live stream service.

Live COVERAGE: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Dom Smith and Simon Collings at the ground!

(ES Composite)

England vs Andorra live

14:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of England vs Andorra!

Can England continue their perfect start to World Cup qualification? Thomas Tuchel's side are heavy favourites to swat away the bottom side in Group K.

We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news right here ahead of kick-off, which comes at 5pm BST from Villa Park. Stick with us!

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