In the recent World Cup qualifier held at Villa Park, England faced Andorra, delivering a strong performance that yielded a decisive victory. Below, we analyze how each player fared during the match, focusing on their individual contributions, overall impact, and areas for improvement.
Jordan Pickford (6)
The Everton goalkeeper had a remarkably quiet game, reflecting the dominance of England’s defense. He didn’t face any significant threats or make any saves and contributed primarily by distributing the ball to initiate attacks. Although not tested, his calm presence in the back helped maintain stability.
Reece James (7)
Reece James has solidified his position as a favorite under manager Thomas Tuchel, and his performance against Andorra showcased why. He exhibited skill on the ball and contributed offensively, providing an excellent cross that assisted Declan Rice in scoring the second goal. His ability to balance defensive duties with offensive initiatives marks him as a crucial player for future matches.
Marc Guehi (6)
Marc Guehi stepped in as the right-sided centre-back, a role that diverged from his usual left-sided position. His solid performance maintained the integrity of the back line in the absence of John Stones. Though not overly tested, he proved reliable, essential for England’s defensive setup as they head toward the World Cup.
Dan Burn (6)
Dan Burn was not significantly challenged defensively but was tasked with supporting offensive plays. He showed aerial dominance and contributed to build-up plays. Yet, with little pressure from Andorra, his defensive capabilities remained largely untested, providing less insight into his form.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (6)
In this game, Myles Lewis-Skelly played in a more traditional left-back role rather than his typical inverted position. This allowed him to create width for the attack while focusing on maintaining defensive integrity, though he had little to do defensively. His adaptability is commendable but does not fully illustrate his capabilities.
Elliot Anderson (7.5)
Anderson’s international debut was marked by confidence and composure. He effectively managed the space in front of England’s back four and demonstrated an ability to connect with attacks. Despite having a big chance that he failed to convert, his overall performance was impressive, suggesting great potential for future appearances.
Declan Rice (7)
Rice adapted well to his number eight role, a position he has thrived in at club level. His goal-scoring ability was highlighted when he netted a well-timed header, reinforcing his importance to the team. Replacing him later in the match, Rice left a strong impression, balancing defensive responsibilities with offensive contributions.
Eberechi Eze (6)
Eze had the opportunity to shine in the number 10 role during this match, but his performance was somewhat underwhelming. He created a key pass leading to the opening goal but lacked the clinical finishing that could have solidified his impact. Despite missing some opportunities, he still showed potential to grow into the role as he gains experience.
Marcus Rashford (6)
Rashford started positively, showcasing his dribbling skills and close control. However, he struggled with finishing, missing a prime opportunity after recovering a rebound from Eze’s shot. His substitution in the second half indicated that while he showed glimpses of his capability, consistency remains an area for development.
Noni Madueke (7)
Madueke mirrored Rashford’s aggressive play style from the opposite wing, continuously looking to take on defenders. His contributions included a well-placed cross that led to the opening goal. Drawing an early yellow card from the opposition, he demonstrated an assertive approach that could benefit the team moving forward.
Harry Kane (6)
As England’s all-time leading scorer, Kane faced a crowded penalty area but struggled to create clear opportunities. He didn’t drop deep as often, a typical tactic we see from him, which limited potential link-ups with teammates like Anderson. While he remained an essential presence, finding ways to break through congested defenses is an area to focus on.
Overall, England’s performance against Andorra showcased a blend of established stars and emerging talents. Players like Anderson and Madueke stood out, indicating a promising future for England as they prepare for the World Cup. Despite the varying levels of impact from the squad, this match served as a valuable opportunity for assessment and adjustment as they move forward in their qualification campaign. With key fixtures on the horizon, refining individual performances will be critical in securing a strong position ahead of the World Cup.
