Kane on target as England struggle past Andorra in World Cup qualifier
Harry Kane scored the only goal as England overcame a stubborn Andorra side to continue their unbeaten start to qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Manager Thomas Tuchel had warned supporters they might need patience as the Three Lions attempted to break down a well-organised home defence — and that prediction proved accurate.
His side were jeered off at the break after failing to find the net in the first half against opponents ranked 173rd in the world.
Following a laboured first-half display, England took the lead five minutes into the second half through captain Kane but failed to secure the comfortable win many had expected.
The Bayern Munich striker was found in the box by Curtis Jones and, when his initial effort was saved by Iker Alvarez, the ball fell to Noni Madueke, who swept a low cross into the six-yard box for Kane to tap in.
Tuchel named an attacking side for the match and played Liverpool midfielder Jones in an unfamiliar right-back role, with Reece James at left-back, as he looked to capitalise on his side’s dominance of possession.
However, that plan did not pay off, as a frustrated England struggled to create clear-cut chances in Barcelona against an Andorra side that fought defiantly but was limited.
Jude Bellingham and Madueke were restricted to long-range efforts, which Alvarez saved well, while substitute Eberechi Eze went close with a second-half header that was tipped over the bar.
The narrow victory leaves England top of Group K with nine points from three successive wins. They are next in action on Tuesday, when they face Senegal in a friendly at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground.
