England maintained their 100 percent record in their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Andorra on Saturday, but the uninspiring display did little to dissuade the doubters about Thomas Tuchel’s ability to get the best out of the team.
The Three Lions monopolised the ball and territory but Andorra proved extremely stubborn opponents as the visitors sat around their area and blocked the majority of England’s probing passes and efforts from inside the area, such as when Max Llovera slid in to block Eberechi Eze’s goal-bound strike.
It was fitting, then, that England took the lead via an own goal as Reece James slipped the ball to Noni Madueke, whose cross was glanced in by defender Christian Garcia.
That should have opened the floodgates, but Andorra continued to stifle England, who were also frustrated by their own wasteful finishing. In the second half, Marcus Rashford curled over the bar after Eze had a shot saved before the otherwise excellent debutant, Elliot Anderson, fired too close to goalkeeper Iker Alvarez .
England’s pressure finally made a difference and they scored again thanks to another inviting cross as a delicious delivery from James found Declan Rice to head home. But once again, Tuchel’s side failed to build on the momentum and had to settle for an unflattering result against a very low-level opponent, albeit a determined one.
