⚽ Rice on Target as England Extend Winning Run
England claimed a
2-0 victory over Andorra at
Villa Park on Saturday, with
Declan Rice finding the net to secure three points in their
World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign. Despite the win, the performance raised familiar concerns about their lack of sharpness in front of goal.
The result means
Thomas Tuchel’s squad have now won four out of four in Group K, but their inability to convert long spells of possession into goals remains a worry.
📊 England Dominate Possession but Struggle to Break Through
England controlled a staggering
83% of possession, yet Andorra’s defense held firm for much of the game. The breakthrough finally came in the
25th minute when
Christian García turned
Noni Madueke’s cross into his own net.
The second goal arrived in the
67th minute, when
Reece James delivered a pinpoint cross that
Rice headed home to seal the win.
Tuchel admitted after the game:
“
The energy was right, the quality was there — but we should have scored more. Breaking down Andorra felt like chewing gum.”
🔥 Key Moments at Villa Park
- Harry Kane, making his 108th England appearance, had the first real chance but was denied by Andorra’s defense.
- Eberechi Eze saw his strike blocked, before James and Madueke combined to force the own goal.
- Marcus Rashford and debutant Elliot Anderson both went close early in the second half, only to be denied by sharp saves from goalkeeper Iker Alvarez.
- Rice’s header from James’ world-class cross finally gave fans something to cheer.
Thousands of fans had already begun leaving before the final whistle, frustrated by the lack of excitement despite the result.
🇬🇧 What’s Next for England?
Tuchel now prepares his team for a tough away fixture against
Serbia on Tuesday — arguably their hardest test in Group K.
“
We know what’s coming. It’s a crucial away game where we can make a huge step toward qualification,” Tuchel emphasized.
With four wins from four, England are well on track for the
2026 FIFA World Cup, but Tuchel will be keen to see more ruthlessness in attack if they are to challenge the top nations.
