Every single England player rated following the 2-0 FIFA World Cup qualifier victory over Andorra.
England were victorious at a canter on their first visit to Villa Park in two decades as Declan Rice’s clinical header and an own goal sealed a 2-0 win over Andorra in the World Cup qualifiers.
As you’d hope against a team currently 174th in the FIFA World Rankings, Thomas Tuchel’s men dominated from start to finish, with an 83% share of possession. The Three Lions coped just fine without notable absentees Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka but there was a lack of clinical edge as a host of clear-cut chances were squandered.
Nonetheless, Rice’s well-taken header midway through the second period was enough to make it two to the good, an advantage England were able to preserve. That’s now four wins out of four in the qualifiers, with the Three Lions well on their way to securing a place at the World Cup. Here’s how the players rated, with individual analysis for each.
England goalkeeper and defence player ratings
Jordan Pickford - 7/10
The Everton man marked his 77th cap with his 37th clean sheet, one of the easiest he’ll ever keep as he didn’t have a single save to make. Pickford might as well have watched this one on the telly, he had that little to do.
Reece James (off 68’) - 8/10
Chelsea’s skipper looked comfortable at right-back and often inverted inside to get involved higher up the pitch. James assisted Rice’s header with a superb delivery to the far post, right on the money for his teammate. He was so unlucky not to notch another assist earlier in the game, as he whipped in an exquisite low cross but Kane and Madueke were unable to convert.
Marc Guehi (off 77’) - 7/10
Crystal Palace’s captain didn’t have a great deal to do, in all honesty, but he was on his marks when required to jockey Andorra’s attackers away from goal. Guehi, who scored on his last visit to Villa Park in Palace colours just a week ago, was pivotal to England dominating possession as he orchestrated much of the build-up play.
Dan Burn - 6/10
Much like Guehi, Burn was hardly tested but swept up the odd loose ball when required. Some of the Newcastle United defender’s passes out from the back were a little wayward but that ultimately didn’t matter as Andorra were camped so far in their defensive quarters. Burn was booked late on for dissent.
Myles Lewis-Skelly - 7/10
The Arsenal academy product had a comfortable full 90 minutes despite only making two brief substitute appearances for his club so far this season. Lewis-Skelly didn’t have as much joy on the underlap as Tuchel may have hoped but he displayed excellent close control when pressed by the Andorrans.
England midfield player ratings
Declan Rice (off 68’) - 8/10
The scorer of the second goal, Rice netted with his final touch – a deft header into bottom left-hand corner after making a great run to the far post. Rice enjoyed a box-to-box role, linking up with the likes of Eze and Rashford on the edge of the Andorra area.
Elliot Anderson - 8/10
Thrown straight in for his Three Lions bow after receiving his first call-up last week, Anderson should’ve scored on his debut as he missed a sitter at the start of the second half. The ‘Geordie Maradona’ still impressed, though, as he was dominant in the centre of the park. It’s difficult to judge him properly from a fixture like this, but Anderson was ruthless in shrugging off effectively every duel he was involved in.
Eberechi Eze (off 78’) - 6/10
Now establishing himself as an England regular, Arsenal’s summer signing was heavily involved as he registered three shots on target throughout. Eze perhaps should’ve done better with each of the opportunities as they lacked the necessary vigour to beat the goalkeeper, but he got himself in all the right positions.
England attack player ratings
Marcus Rashford (off 68’) - 5/10
Back at Villa Park several months on from his brief loan spell in claret and blue, Rashford had an evening to forget. The Barcelona winger scuppered an excellent chance in the 50th minute as he fired well wide of the target, while he ran into trouble with many of his dribble attempts. Rashford at least fought hard to win the ball back when he lost it, but he’ll be disappointed not to have contributed more.
Noni Madueke - 8/10
Madueke will claim the assist for the opening goal as his teasing cross was nodded into the net by Andorra defender Garcia. The Arsenal winger deserved the goal involvement as he was a nuisance down the right, driving at the opposition defenders. Madueke certainly didn’t pull off every trick he tried - and he took a little too long to play a couple of final passes - but his directness was refreshing.
Harry Kane - 6/10
It was a quiet night for England’s skipper, who made some decent runs in behind but was often ignored. Kane didn’t drop deep anywhere near as often as we’ve seen in the past, so that was perhaps a sign of a change of instructions from Tuchel.
Continue Reading