Thomas Tuchel’s England limped to another forgettable win against Andorra as World Cup qualification resumed with a whimper at Villa Park.A season that the Euro 2024 runners-up hope to end with glory in North America began with an often frustrating but ultimately fruitful time against the side ranked 174th in the world.
It was far from a rip-roaring display, but there was no repeat of the boos heard following June’s reverse fixture in Barcelona as England triumphed 2-0 in Birmingham thanks to Christian Garcia’s own goal and a Declan Rice header.
Tuchel has overseen victory in all four qualifiers in charge and now turns his attention to their toughest Group K assignment away to Serbia on Tuesday, when the manager expects to face another low block.
The England boss likened breaking down well-drilled Andorra to “chewing gum” on the eve of a match they started with the dominance you would expect against Europe’s fourth worst side.
Much like in Barcelona, they struggled to create a swathe of clear-cut chances but there was a slightly sharper performance.
England made the breakthrough when Garcia turned Noni Madueke’s cross into his own net in the 25th minute, with their other goal also arriving from a cross as Rice headed home Reece James’ exquisite ball in the 67th minute.
Tuchel’s England side now travel to face Serbia in Belgrade on Tuesday aiming to make it five wins from five in World Cup qualifying.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo’s quest to play in a record sixth World Cup has begun in typical fashion with two goals as Portugal made a winning start to its qualifying campaign by routing Armenia 5-0.
The match on Saturday marked a poignant day for the Portuguese as it was their first international fixture since the death of their forward Diogo Jota in a car crash in July along with his brother Andre Silva.
The stadium fell quiet as both teams observed a moment of silence before kickoff.
Ronaldo’s goals extended his record as the highest scorer in men’s international football to 140 and underlined his enduring motivation to keep setting more benchmarks before his storied career comes to an end.
The 40-year-old football great has recently signed a new contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr and led Portugal to victory at the UEFA Nations League in June.
The World Cup is the one major trophy that eludes him – leaving him behind his great rival Lionel Messi, 38, who lifted football’s biggest prize with Argentina in 2022.
Next year would likely be Ronaldo’s last chance to win it when the tournament is staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Like him, Messi would also be playing at a sixth World Cup, setting the pair apart from any other players with a host of names having appeared in five.
Ronaldo – a five-time Champions League winner, who also lifted the European Championship trophy with his country – struck in each half at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium as Portugal made a flying start in Group F.
Joao Felix also scored twice and hit the opening goal after just 10 minutes. Portugal cruised thereafter.
Joao Cancelo was the other scorer, slotting in his side’s third goal. He marked his first-half strike by pointing to the skies with both hands in remembrance of Jota’s trademark celebration.