Verdict: Harry Kane to score the opening goal
Best Odds: 12/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Seeking an immediate response when they get their World Cup qualifying campaign underway on Saturday evening, England will welcome Andorra to St. Andrew’s.
England
Starting with the hosts, while Thomas Tuchel might have only officially taken charge earlier in the year, the former Chelsea boss already has some serious pressure on his shoulders. Last seen putting in a nightmare performance at the City Ground as they slumped to a shock 3-1 loss at the hands of Senegal, England are seeking an immediate response when they get their World Cup qualifying campaign underway on Saturday evening. However, rightfully installed as a landslide contender to wrap up top spot in Group K, the Three Lions will be desperate to get proceedings underway with an opening statement of intent. Likewise, winning all of their seven historic showdowns against Andorra by an aggregate score of 26-0, Tuchel’s superstar squad have been handed a golden opportunity this weekend.
England Team News
Picking up a reported groin injury away at Aston Villa last weekend, Crystal Palace ace Adam Wharton has been forced to withdraw from Tuchel’s squad. AC Milan star Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been recalled by his former Chelsea boss.
Likewise, completing a permanent switch to German giants Bayer Leverkusen this summer, ex-Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah has also received a late call-up. Already recording five direct goal contributions in his opening two Bundesliga appearances, Harry Kane will lead the line here.
Andorra
As for the visitors, last seen in competitive action putting in another nightmare display as they slumped to a routine 3-0 drumming away at Serbia on June 10th, Andorra have only further underlined their status as one of Europe’s ultimate whipping boys. Only putting a single Nations League point on the board last year, Koldo Alvarez’s side couldn’t have asked for a tougher challenge this weekend. Losing all of their last four consecutive appearances by an aggregate score of 8-0, Andorra have also gained a major reputation for their attacking issues. Along with failing to notch a single competitive win since way back in September 22nd, Saturday’s guests have also not found the net across any competition over the past 18 months.
Andorra Team News
While Marc Pujol might have turned 43 last month, the Andorra skipper could be set to earn a record-breaking 123rd international cap at St. Andrew’s. Fellow veteran Marc Vales will start in the middle of the park this weekend.
While 20-year-old Aron Rodrigo Tapia might still be waiting to make his first-team debut for Spanish outfit Huesca, he has been included in Alvarez’s travelling squad. Former Villarreal shot-stopper Iker Alvarez will start between the sticks here.
England vs Andorra Key Factors to Consider
- When England and Andorra last met on June 7th, the Three Lions collected a 1-0 victory in Catalonia.
- England have won all of their seven historic showdowns against Andorra by an aggregate score of 26-0.
- Andorra have not claimed a single competitive win across any competition since way back in September 2022.
- Saturday’s guests have also failed to notch a sole competitive strike over the past 18 months.
- England’s shock 3-1 defeat against Senegal on June 10th brought an end to their six-match winning run.
Conclusion
Last seen falling to that shock 3-1 defeat at home against Senegal on June 10th, England are desperately seeking an immediate response here. Getting their World Cup qualifying campaign underway on Saturday night, it is no surprise that Tuchel’s men are pencilled in as a landslide Group K contender. Winning all of their seven historic showdowns against Andorra by an aggregate score of 26-0, it is almost impossible to see anything other than a routine home win at St. Andrew’s.
Verdict: Harry Kane to score the opening goal
Best Odds: 12/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
