Thomas Tuchel had demanded a convincing win and a performance without doubts. The England manager wanted to suffocate Andorra in this World Cup qualifier; to see his team attack cohesively, to unpick the low block of the nation that sits 173rd in the world rankings. So much for the wishlist.
This was the end-of-season game that Tuchel had tried to talk up, mainly because he has so few matches to drill his players before the finals next summer. He was keen to see some energy. And yet his words failed to stir very much. Yes, England won, as they always do against Andorra. Yes, they did so without conceding, as they always do against Andorra. And yes, it is now three wins out of three for Tuchel, with no goals against. But it was not possible to get excited.
The first half was dross, boring, leading Tuchel to experience a first at an early point of his tenure – his team being booed off. And the second period was lifted only by the goal, scored by Harry Kane after a Noni Madueke cross. Curtis Jones had ignited the move. It was Kane’s 72nd England goal on his 106th cap; he is now equal seventh on the all-time appearance list with Sir Bobby Charlton and Frank Lampard.
Andorra offered next to nothing. Their goal was merely to frustrate, which they absolutely accomplished. And yet there was the moment on 76 minutes when the substitute Guillaume López almost got in. The Inter Club d’Escaldes player was crowded out by Ezri Konsa. Can you imagine if he had somehow scored?
