Charlie Grace

Sun 7 September 2025 7:30, UK

England struggled to a 2-0 victory against Andorra in a World Cup qualifying stinker that will leave Thomas Tuchel “frustrated”, according to a BBC pundit.

England struggled to breakdown Andorra’s stubborn defensive structure, as Tuchel’s side failed to create consistent chances.

The first goal came fortuitously from Noni Madueke’s cross-come-shot that found the head of Christian Garcia in unfortunate fashion, resulting in an own goal.

England’s best creative sparks were Madueke and Reece James on the right, and it was the latter who crossed wonderfully to Declan Rice, who nodded in England’s second.

Thomas Tuchel needs to take lessons from Andorra victory

It was an evening when Tuchel’s side were supposed to lay down a marker with a statement win, but the performance did everything but provide any answers as to the direction of England under the German’s management.

Speaking on BBC Sport’s live coverage of the match, former defender Matthew Upson spoke about what Tuchel can take away from the game.

Upson said Tuchel will be able to build on what he saw tonight: “The frustration Thomas Tuchel will feel is realising that it’s difficult to play in these matches.

“He will not have experienced anything like this in consecutive fashion. It is new for Tuchel. He is on that learning curve,” he continued.

Upson also criticised Tuchel’s lack of an apparent game plan, saying: “I don’t think there is something that jumps out that tells you he is going to go this way.”

Thomas Tuchel faces a key selection dilemma ahead of the World Cup

Football Insider verdict

With the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States of America only nine months away, England fans will be hoping Thomas Tuchel has his mind set on some members of his squad.

There is plenty of football still to be played, but barring any injuries, Tuchel will more than likely have the spine of his England team planned in his head.

Questions do still remain in midfield, where Tuchel seems yet to settle on a preferred balance or structure in the middle of the park.

Declan Rice will likely play in the number eight role we see him play for Arsenal, but the other two spots are still up for grabs.

Elliot Anderson was immense on debut against Andorra, but whether he can replicate that performance against higher quality opposition remains to be seen.

Angel Gomes was favoured by interim boss Lee Carsley but is seemingly not favoured by Tuchel, while Kobbie Mainoo is out of favour at Manchester United so faces an uphill task to make the tournament.

While Adam Wharton is out injured and certain players can’t get a look in at club level, Tuchel will have to keep his eye on plenty of avenues in central midfield as the tournament approaches.