England 2-0 Andorra: Declan Rice on target as Three Lions maintain perfect record in World Cup qualification | OneFootball

Three Lions have now beaten Andorra eight times in a row and are still yet to concede against the international minnows

England warmed up for Tuesday night’s World Cup qualifier in Serbia with a 2-0 win over Andorra.

The Three Lions kicked off against Andorra two points clear of their next opponents, who overcame Latvia earlier in the day, but restored the five-point gap after maintaining their 100 per cent winning record in qualification under new head coach Thomas Tuchel.

Without a host of regulars such as Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer and John Stones because of injury, the likes of Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Dan Burn started at Villa Park while Tuchel handed a full senior debut to Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.

As expected, England dominated possession in the first half, but required a slice of luck to take the lead in the 25th minute.

Noni Madueke, the hosts brightest attacker in the opening 45 minutes, sent in a teasing cross from the right and Andorra central defender Christian Garcia could only lean forward to loop a header into his own net with Harry Kane lurking.

Kane and Eze went close to extending England’s lead shortly after but were denied by some brave defending before the Arsenal star and Marcus Rashford missed big chances early in the second half.

Anderson then almost capped an impressive debut with a goal, but his header was superbly saved by Iker Alvarez as Tuchel’s side began to take advantage of tiring opposition.

The second goal finally arrived with just over 20 minutes remaining when Reece James’ brilliant cross was headed home by Declan Rice.

Ultimately, Tuchel's England limped to another forgettable win. 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.

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.