Harry Kane spared England’s blushes with a second-half strike that sealed a lacklustre 1-0 victory against minnows Andorra in Saturday’s World Cup qualifier in Barcelona.
Under Thomas Tuchel, England’s side was booed by their own fans at the RCDE Stadium after a dismal display against a team ranked 173rd in the world. Kane’s 72nd international goal ensured the Three Lions avoided the embarrassment of failing to beat such lowly opposition.
Tuchel became the first England manager to win his first three competitive games without conceding, but given the weak opposition of Andorra, Latvia, and Albania in Group K, the achievement felt hollow after this uninspired performance.
The German coach had cautioned against expecting a dominant display from a tired squad, many of whom had just finished gruelling domestic seasons. Motivational challenges loomed ahead of the summer international break, especially with nine players preparing to travel to the Club World Cup in the US.
True to Tuchel’s prediction, England struggled to find rhythm in a soporific match more akin to a pre-season friendly. It was a far cry from the high drama seen in Spain’s and France’s recent Nations League semi-final, highlighting the challenge ahead for Tuchel as he builds toward the 2026 World Cup.
Tuchel fielded an experimental lineup: Liverpool’s Curtis Jones played right-back, Chelsea’s Reece James filled in at left-back, and Ajax’s Jordan Henderson, 34, made his first England start since 2023 — becoming the oldest England starter since Frank Lampard 11 years ago. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka was rested after limited training, leaving Noni Madueke, Morgan Rogers, and Cole Palmer to support Kane upfront.
Madueke showed promise, but Palmer and Rogers struggled to make an impact. Andorra, who hadn’t scored internationally in over two years, quickly settled into a deep defensive block, allowing England possession but little penetration.
England’s attacking efforts were slow and predictable. Kane missed a close-range chance from Jones’ cut-back, and Jude Bellingham’s 25-yard shot was comfortably saved. By halftime, the fans were restless, frustrated by England’s lack of ideas.
The breakthrough came five minutes into the second half. Kane’s initial shot was saved, but Madueke’s quick reaction delivered a low cross that Kane tapped into an empty net. The goal marked Kane’s 72nd for his country and added to his impressive tally of 450 career goals for club and country in 697 appearances.
England continued to lack momentum but held on, nearly conceding late when Guillaume Lopez’s shot was blocked by Ezri Konsa.
AFP
