Elliot Anderson thrives, Myles Lewis-Skelly awful – England ratings vs Andorra
Thomas Tuchel was far from pleased with his England team despite a comfortable 2-0 win over Andorra at Villa Park.
Noni Madueke was given a chance by Thomas Tuchel after Bukayo Saka picked up an injury at Arsenal, and it was the former Chelsea man who forced the mistake from Christian Garcia for an own goal.
Elliot Anderson was handed his England debut, helping Declan Rice control the midfield, but it was a rather slow performance against a nation ranked 174th in the world.
It meant that the Arsenal midfielder could charge into the penalty area and latch onto Reece James‘ cross to secure all three points in Group K.
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s performances raises a few concerns for England
Jordan Pickford – 6
Very little for the Everton star to do at Villa Park. Stayed switched on, which is all he could do against Andorra.
Reece James (Off for Livramento 69′) – 8
Grabbed the assist for Rice’s goal with a fine cross. Won the majority of his duels, ground and aerial, before being replaced, likely not wanting to risk injury.
Marc Guehi (Off for Konsa 76′) – 8
Guehi’s move to Liverpool broke down on transfer deadline day, but still, he has remained an utter professional over the last few weeks. Well done to the defender.
Dan Burn – 7
Was caught out a couple of times due to his pace, but with his height and experience, he quickly got to grips with the game and remained solid at the back.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 3
Rarely involved in the final third, with Rashford becoming the main man on the left flank. Lost too many duels against a stubborn Andorra side.
Thomas Tuchel right to trust Elliot Anderson with England debut
Elliot Anderson – 9 – Man of the Match
Immense. Nearly picked up a goal on his England debut, being denied by a brilliant save. Controlled the midfield calmly and was the perfect partner for Rice.
Declan Rice (Off for Rogers 69′) – 6
Not his usual self despite being given the freedom to roam forward. Got his goal with 20 minutes remaining, popping up at the back post, which was his last act on the field.
Noni Madueke – 8
He was a huge nuisance down the right flank, causing problems all afternoon, which ended in an Andorran defender diverting his cross into the back of his own net.
Eberechi Eze (Off for Gibbs-White 78′) – 6
May well feel that he should have done better. Had a few shots at goal, but never really troubled the goalkeeper and failed to hit the back of the net for the first time since joining the Gunners.
Three Lions forwards disappoint at Villa Park
Marcus Rashford (Off for Gordon 69′) – 4
Made some bright runs in the first half, but ultimately, the Man United loanee struggled to break in behind a condensed backline, getting frustrated throughout the game.
Harry Kane – 5
Linked up well with the rest of the forwards. However, with multiple misplaced passes, it was not the usual Bayern Munich attacker that England fans were treated to at Villa Park.
Substitutes
Anthony Gordon (On for Rashford 69′) – 6
Extremely bright after coming on, but couldn’t find the final touch to get a third.
Morgan Rogers (On for Rice 69′) – 5
Outshone by some of the others who came onto the pitch as substitutes.
Tino Livramento (On for James 69′) – 5
Offered very little after his introduction. Barely noticeable in the final third.
Ezri Konsa (On for Guehi 76′) – 6
Welcomed by a warm reception at Villa Park, unsurprisingly. Kept things calm at the back for the closing stages.
Morgan Gibbs-White (On for Eze 78′) – 7
Joining Anderson in the squad, the Forest playmaker got stuck straight into the action. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.