England’s national football team kept their perfect start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers alive, but not without a scare, grinding out a lackluster 1-0 win over Andorra in Barcelona this past Saturday. The Three Lions, led by Thomas Tuchel, struggled to break down the 173rd-ranked Andorran side, with Harry Kane’s second-half goal ultimately sparing England’s blushes.
Kane Delivers, but England Falter.
The decisive moment came in the 51st minute when Kane, capitalizing on a deflected cross from Noni Madueke, tapped in his 72nd international goal—marking his 450th career strike across club and country. Despite dominating possession with 83%, England managed just shots, on target, against a well-organized Andorra defense that frustrated the visitors for much of the match.
Fans Left Wanting More.
England’s performance drew jeers from their supporters at halftime, as the team struggled to create clear chances and lacked the urgency expected against such a low-ranked opponent Jude Bellingham and Curtis Jones tried to inject energy, but the Three Lions’ attack often fizzled out in the final third.
Tuchel’s Record, But Questions Remain.
With this result, Tuchel became the first England manager to win his opening three matches without conceding a goal, and England remain unbeaten in World Cup qualifiers against teams ranked outside the top 100 However, the uninspired display raised concerns about the team’s creativity and finishing ahead of tougher tests.
What’s Next?.
England now sit comfortably atop Group K with three wins from three, but with Senegal up next in a friendly, Tuchel will be under pressure to find solutions and restore the attacking flair fans expect from the Three Lions.
