England vs Andorra live: Declan Rice’s second half header secures win in World Cup qualifier
England 2-0 Andorra: The Three Lions extend their lead at the top of Group K
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:
The old-fashioned quality that paints a clearer picture of Thomas Tuchel’s England
Thomas 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
Tuchel 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
The 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
Reece 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
The 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?
That 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
Elliot 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?
The 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:
"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
England 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].”
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