England player ratings vs Andorra: Tuchel's Three Lions struggle in uninspiring World Cup qualifier
England maintain 100 percent record in World Cup qualifying with a lackluster 2-0 win over Andorra. Own goal and Declan Rice header secure victory but lack of spark raises doubts about Thomas Tuchel's management. Read on for player ratings and analysis.
An own goal and a Declan Rice header kept the Euro 2024 finalists on track for qualification, but the team lacked inspiration at Villa ParkEngland 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.GOAL rates the England players from Villa Park...
Player Ratings
1. Jordan Pickford - 6/10: Had little to do, but showed good distribution when called upon. 2. Reece James - 7/10: Provided the assist for the opening goal and looked lively down the right flank. 3. John Stones - 6/10: Dealt comfortably with Andorra's limited attacking threat. 4. Tyrone Mings - 6/10: Solid at the back, but lacked composure in possession. 5. Ben Chilwell - 6/10: Got forward well but struggled to deliver quality crosses. 6. Declan Rice - 8/10: Scored the crucial second goal and was a dominant presence in midfield. 7. Kalvin Phillips - 6/10: Worked hard, but failed to impose himself on the game. 8. Eberechi Eze - 6/10: Showed flashes of creativity but lacked end product. 9. Marcus Rashford - 5/10: Disappointing performance from the forward, failed to make an impact. 10. Elliot Anderson - 7/10: Impressed on his debut with energy and drive, unlucky not to score. 11. Noni Madueke - 7/10: Forced the own goal and looked dangerous with his direct running. Substitutes: - Ollie Watkins - 6/10: Added a physical presence up front but struggled to find space. - Mason Mount - 6/10: Brought on to inject creativity but couldn't unlock Andorra's defense. - Jadon Sancho - 6/10: Tried to make things happen but lacked the cutting edge. Overall, England lacked fluency and cutting edge in the final third, struggling to break down a resolute Andorra defense. Tuchel will be disappointed with the lack of creativity and killer instinct on display, particularly given the talent at his disposal. The Three Lions will need to improve if they are to challenge the top teams in the World Cup.
